Developing the city into a green, fast-growing, and sustainable urban area.

Son La City aims to concretize the National Urban Development Program, the Provincial Urban Development Program, the Resolution of the 15th Provincial Party Congress of Son La for the 2020–2025 term, as well as related socioeconomic development programs and mid-term public investment plans, in order to maximize the effectiveness of economic and social development investments.

In order to mobilize resources for urban development investment, ensuring the enhancement of quality and the architectural landscape of the city, Son La aims to gradually invest in and complete the economic, technical, and social infrastructure systems across the area, connecting fully developed urban zones and promoting urban growth according to development phases. Responsibilities are assigned to relevant organizations and individuals, while specific tasks are outlined to implement the contents of Conclusion No. 353-KL/TU dated September 7, 2021, of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Board and Decision No. 1644/QD-UBND dated August 11, 2022, of the Son La Provincial People’s Committee regarding the development of Son La City toward a Grade I urban area orientation.

Gradually complete and improve urban quality by integrating urban planning management with rural development and new rural construction; preserve and promote values and cultural identity, enhance competitiveness within the province and the region as a foundation for urban classification, determining investment development roadmaps, and prioritizing urban development areas. Implement solutions and tasks for each phase to improve policies and mechanisms, attract capital, and mobilize resources for urban development goals. By 2025, strive to complete and enhance the remaining deficient and weak criteria of a Grade II urban area; by 2030, aim to basically meet the criteria for a Grade I provincial city.

By 2025, the city will focus on relatively complete urban construction within existing inner-city areas; prioritizing development towards the Northeast, Southwest, and South directions, mainly following major external transport routes (National Highway 6, Son La – Hat Lot; Hoa Binh – Moc Chau – Son La Expressway; National Highway 279D, etc.).

From 2026 to 2030, development will proceed towards the South and Southeast, aligned with the plan to expand the city according to the general urban development scheme through 2045 along National Highway 6; with a focus on establishing key transportation hubs combined with supporting economic activities in the Na San Airport area.

Key priority programs and projects: The identification of priority projects is based on the general urban planning scheme for the city’s development until 2045, approved detailed and subdivision plans by authorized agencies; breakthrough and influential projects aimed at attracting investment, gradually building and developing Son La city toward a type I urban classification; mid-term and long-term public investment plans of Son La province, Son La city, and Mai Son district (within the city’s expanded boundaries). The list of proposed projects serves as the basis for phased implementation. For projects located in the expanded area toward Mai Son district, if the administrative boundary expansion has not yet been implemented, the People’s Committee of Mai Son district will manage those projects once approval by the competent authority is granted. Development programs and plans for specific areas are defined according to urban planning to focus investments on synchronized technical infrastructure, social infrastructure, and urban landscape architecture in each phase.

With the development perspective of Son La city aligned with the National Urban System Master Plan; the urban system planning direction in the Son La Provincial Plan for 2021–2030, vision to 2050; the Provincial Urban Development Program until 2030; and the Master Urban Plan for Son La city approved by competent authorities; as well as the socio-economic development plans of the province and city to fully leverage development drivers and meet socio-economic development goals.

Son La city’s urban development aims to gradually improve the quality and appearance of urban architecture and landscape toward a green, smart, and modern city. It also focuses on preserving and promoting the historical and cultural values of ethnic groups while protecting the environment. The city strives to become a key growth pole and an important nucleus for regional economic development, a regional economic center, and the central urban hub of the Northwest sub-region for education and training, healthcare, culture, sports, commerce, and services.

Implement synchronized urban and rural development, addressing and overcoming existing weaknesses and deficiencies in urban areas. Ensure strong linkages across sectors to meet the basic material and spiritual needs of the people; promote harmonious development between urban areas, rural areas, humans, and nature; make rational use of natural resources and land, conserve energy, protect the environment, and maintain ecological balance. Build comprehensive social and technical infrastructure suitable for the conditions of mountainous urban areas, aligned with the exploitation, usage requirements, and development programs of each urban area. Closely integrate this with ensuring security, national defense, and social safety.

Ensure consistency and synchronization in building mechanisms, policies, and implementing the program. Raise awareness of urban planning management, construction, and development.

Effectively integrate with ongoing or approved programs, plans, and projects related to urban development. Urban development programs and plans must incorporate requirements for sustainable development, green urban development, energy saving, and climate change adaptation.

Huong Diep

Translated by Huyen Vu