Politburo approves making Quảng Ninh a centrally administered city; high-speed rail project worth about $5.6 billion breaks ground

The Politburo has approved a policy to establish Quảng Ninh as a centrally administered city based on the province’s current administrative boundaries. The plan aims to develop Quảng Ninh into a green, modern and civilized urban area while preserving its cultural, historical and scenic identity. It also calls for tighter linkage between the city and the sea, islands, border areas and heritage sites, creating a unified development space to support long-term growth.

The Politburo further urged Quảng Ninh to expand its growth space and pursue breakthroughs with new drivers, identifying science and technology and digital transformation as core pillars. The development strategy includes coordinated progress across multiple sectors, including the green economy, heritage economy, maritime economy, cross-border economy, night-time economy and cultural industries.

How Quảng Ninh meets the criteria for a centrally administered city

Under the plan, Quảng Ninh essentially meets all seven groups of standards set out by the Law on Organization of Local Government and Resolution 112/2025/UBTVQH15. The province fully meets six standards and is finalizing procedures for the remaining standard related to recognition as a first-class urban area.

Population and land area

Centrally administered cities are typically required to have at least 2.5 million people, while an urban administrative unit with a land border has a minimum of 1.25 million. Quảng Ninh’s population is 1,519,647, exceeding the border-province threshold. The natural area criterion is 2,500 km², while Quảng Ninh covers 6,231.30 km².

Urban wards and urbanization rate

Quảng Ninh has 30 wards out of 54 administrative units, meeting the 30% threshold. Its urbanization rate is 84.55%, well above the 45% minimum.

Regional and national role

The province’s role is described as a leading northern growth pole and a dynamic, comprehensive development hub, as well as an international tourism center, a marine economy hub, and a key gateway to the northern economic zone and the country. The plan also emphasizes a green growth model, adaptation to climate change and sea-level rise, while maintaining strategic defense, security and international economic cooperation.

Progress toward first-class urban status

Among the seven standards, the sixth standard concerns recognition as a first-class urban area. Quảng Ninh has met 14 out of 15 criteria, with 12 out of 15 required as the minimum, and is continuing to complete procedures for recognition.

Socio-economic standing and fiscal capacity

In socio-economic terms, Quảng Ninh is described as meeting all five criteria related to the structure and development of the economy and society. It is also cited as among localities with strong fiscal self-sufficiency and major contributions to the state budget. In 2025, total provincial revenue reached VND 85,052 billion, equivalent to 154% of the central estimate.

Development milestone and related infrastructure

The Politburo’s approval is presented as a milestone for Quảng Ninh, reflecting not only a governance shift but also a higher-level development pathway aimed at building a modern, interconnected and sustainable city with strong competitiveness nationwide and in the region.

On April 12, a ground-breaking ceremony was held in Quảng Ninh for the high-speed rail line linking Hanoi with Quảng Ninh, described as Vietnam’s first high-speed line. The ceremony involved the Quảng Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, VinGroup and authorities from Hanoi, Hải Phòng and Bắc Ninh. The project’s total investment is estimated at over VND 147,000 billion (about USD 5.6 billion), excluding land clearance costs. VinSpeed Investment Joint Stock Company, a subsidiary of VinGroup, is the investor.