Quang Ninh master urban plan to 2050 envisions becoming a centrally administered city

The Prime Minister has approved the master urban plan for Quang Ninh through 2050, with a vision to develop the province into a centrally administered city. The plan targets a modern, smart, green and sustainable coastal metropolis, positioned as a hub for advanced maritime economic activities and national and international tourism, while emphasizing a coastal border heritage identity that is smart and climate resilient.

Development vision and spatial restructuring

Quang Ninh is set to function as a growth pole in Vietnam’s Northeast and a leading international trade gateway, with a particular focus on external relations with China. According to Do Xuan Diep, director of the Quang Ninh Department of Construction, the plan is not limited to expanding urban space; it involves a comprehensive restructuring of development space toward modernization, smart systems and sustainability.

The province will coordinate with consultants and relevant departments to implement the plan in line with regulations and provide reports for guidance.

Population projections

The master plan projects the following population targets:

• By 2030: about 1.99 to 2.06 million total population (resident population about 1.69 to 1.75 million).
• By 2040: about 2.40 to 2.50 million total population (resident population about 1.9 to 2.1 million).
• By 2050: about 2.8 to 3.0 million total population (resident population about 2.3 to 2.4 million).

Tourism outlook

The plan also anticipates tourism volumes of:

• By 2030: about 25 to 26 million visitors (international 7 to 7.5 million).
• By 2040: about 28 to 29 million visitors (international 8 to 8.5 million).
• By 2050: about 30 to 31 million visitors (international 9 to 10 million).

Economic and tourism performance

In 2025, Quang Ninh’s GRDP growth is estimated at 11.89%, the highest in the country, with an economy of over 368.445 trillion VND. State budget revenue reached 84.5 trillion VND, ranking sixth nationally, including 68.15 trillion VND in domestic revenue. The province contributed 3.86% to national growth.

Tourism remains a key driver. In 2025, Quang Ninh welcomed 21.28 million visitors (up 12%), including 16.78 million domestic and 4.5 million international visitors. Tourism revenue was reported at 57 trillion VND.

Targets for 2026

For 2026, Quang Ninh targets GRDP growth of above 12.5% and per capita GRDP of at least 11,800 USD. The province also aims for total state budget revenue of 100 trillion VND.