The Central Committee of Vietnam's Communist Party has reached a consensus to establish the cities of Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh. This decision was announced during the closing remarks of the third Central Committee meeting of the 14th term, led by General Secretary and State President To Lam on July 24.

The proposal for the establishment of these cities was discussed based on the entire natural area and population scale of the current provinces. According to the Political Bureau's orientation, Quang Ninh is set to develop as a green and smart urban model, integrating urban space, coastal areas, islands, borders, and heritage into a unified ecosystem.

Science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are identified as key growth drivers for the region. Quang Ninh aims for a green economy, focusing on marine, heritage, border, night economy, and cultural industries. By 2025, the province expects a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth of 11.89%, with an economic scale exceeding 368.445 trillion VND. By 2026, the province targets a growth rate above 12.5%, with a per capita GRDP of 11,800 USD and total budget revenue around 100 trillion VND.

Bac Ninh is also being developed as a green, smart, and modern city that embodies the cultural identity of Kinh Bac. The region will focus on high-tech industries, aiming to become a leading center for electronics, semiconductors, microchip production, and artificial intelligence in the country and the region. By 2025, Bac Ninh anticipates a GRDP growth of 10.27%, ranking fifth nationwide, with an expected foreign direct investment of 5.73 billion USD, second only to Ho Chi Minh City.

Currently, Vietnam has seven cities, including Hanoi, Hai Phong, Hue, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and Dong Nai. Ninh Binh is also projected to become a city by 2030. If the proposals are approved by the relevant authorities, Vietnam will have ten cities in total.