Creating Momentum for Sustainable Development

In the context of accelerating industrialization, modernization, and integration, urban planning has been identified by the province as a strategic and vital mission to create a foundation for rapid and sustainable socio-economic growth. This is also the key factor for the province to successfully realize the objectives of the 2025–2030 tenure, aiming for an urbanization rate of 50–60% by 2050 and step-by-step transforming Phu Tho into a municipality directly under the Central Government.

The provincial central area planning for the period 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050, aims for a synchronized and modern development.

Before the merger, the province had 58 urban areas. Following the administrative restructuring, Phu Tho now consists of 15 urban areas (counting only ward-level units); the provincial urbanization rate in 2025 stands at 17.7%.

Recognizing the leading role of planning in development, the province has focused on reviewing, adjusting, and establishing new planning projects with a long-term and synchronous approach. These efforts are linked to regional development orientations, leveraging the province’s position as the “gateway” to the Northern Midlands and Mountains. Urban planning is executed systematically, adhering to national, regional, and provincial master plans to ensure consistency across sectors. It features a long-term vision suited to practical conditions with clear roadmaps and resources, maintaining flexibility to adapt to socio-economic fluctuations.

The Provincial People’s Committee has directed the Department of Construction to lead coordination with relevant sectors and localities. According to Mr. Nguyen Xuan Quang, Director of the Department of Construction, the department proactively advises on reviewing and establishing urban planning projects that ensure synchronization and practical suitability. Emphasis is placed on enhancing project quality, ensuring transparency, and strengthening supervision to gradually form a sustainable and modern urban system.

Urban planning in the province is directed toward the goal of harmonizing economic, social, and environmental factors. It balances economic growth with ecological protection and the efficient use of resources, increasing green spaces and adapting to climate change. Furthermore, a human-centric approach is adopted to improve quality of life, ensuring full access to technical and social infrastructure, housing, healthcare, education, and culture—building civilized, safe, and livable cities.

During the 2025–2030 term, the province aims to develop a sustainable and distinctive urban system, with Viet Tri City as the core nucleus connecting satellite towns and rural areas. Simultaneously, focus is placed on planning new urban zones, functional areas, industrial parks, and service-commercial hubs to attract investment. These plans also emphasize preserving and promoting the historical and cultural values of the Ancestral Land, blending modern development with traditional identity.

According to the National Master Plan and the Provincial Party Congress Resolution for 2025–2030, by 2030, Phu Tho is projected to have 4 Grade-II cities and 10 Grade-III cities, with an urbanization rate of 38.4%. In the subsequent period (2030–2045), the province will upgrade four additional units—Phu Tho, Thanh Thuy, Vinh Tuong, and Luong Son—to Grade-II status, targeting an urbanization rate of 56.3%. By 2050, the province expects to have approximately 71 urban areas, with the urbanization rate reaching 50–60%.

With high political determination and community consensus, urban planning continues to play its role of being “one step ahead,” opening new development spaces and driving Phu Tho toward rapid and sustainable prosperity.

Le Oanh