Ho Chi Minh City: Ecological Agriculture, the Sustainable Foundation of a Mega-City

From organic agriculture and green aquaculture in the former Ba Ria–Vung Tau, today’s mega-city Ho Chi Minh City is building a circular agricultural economy, enhancing the value of raw material areas, and closely integrating into global supply chains. With a vision toward 2030–2050, the ecological agriculture model is the key to ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability – forming the spiritual foundation of this modern metropolis.

High-tech agriculture – clean products for international markets

Former Ba Ria–Vung Tau strongly developed high-tech agricultural zones, with nearly 370 modern production facilities by 2024, applying greenhouses, drip irrigation, smart sensors, and closed-loop supply chains.

Average rural income rose to 80–85 million VND per person per year, approaching urban levels and affirming the region’s role as a core in the global value chain.

Green seafood chain: Con Dao – Long Dien – Can Gio

Seafood is a prominent advantage of the area, and the merger of the former Ba Ria–Vung Tau into Ho Chi Minh City has reinforced the role of a “green seafood chain” stretching from Con Dao, Long Dien, Xuyen Moc to Can Gio. In Con Dao, eco-shrimp farming, abalone, and organic seaweed cultivation combined with marine conservation have shown dual benefits – protecting ecosystems while supplying high-quality products for domestic and export markets.

Notably, Can Gio – now a vital part of Ho Chi Minh City – is being oriented as a hub for aquaculture combined with mangrove ecotourism. Several projects cultivating clams, oysters, and sea bass under “zero waste” models are underway, reusing by-products for feed or organic fertilizer. This green seafood chain not only meets the enormous demand of over 10 million urban residents but also connects with the Mekong Delta, expanding export channels to the EU and the US.

Advanced new rural areas – approaching urban standards

The former Ba Ria–Vung Tau was the first province in Vietnam to be recognized for completing the New Rural Development Program, with 47/47 communes meeting standards and 37 achieving advanced status by 2025. Beyond the basic criteria, districts like Dat Do and Long Dien completed all advanced standards for 2021–2025, raising rural incomes to 80–84 million VND per person per year and reducing poverty rates to below 0.2%.

The key difference is that the countryside has now reached urban standards: paved roads, tree-lined sidewalks, smart lighting, and schools and health stations meeting national benchmarks. Traditional markets have been upgraded alongside supermarkets and convenience stores. A “smart village” model is being piloted in Xuyen Moc, applying digital solutions in agriculture management, security, and public services. Thus, new rural development is no longer a purely rural concept but an extension of the modern urban landscape, ready to integrate into the mega-city Ho Chi Minh City.

Agriculture linked with ecotourism and export

A notable direction for the region is integrating agriculture with ecotourism – creating dual value in both economy and culture. Many orchards in Chau Duc and Xuyen Moc have developed “farmstay” models for domestic and international visitors. Cooperatives in Song Xoai not only produce clean agricultural products but also organize “a day as a farmer” tours, attracting tens of thousands of tourists annually. OCOP products such as sim wine, wild honey, and wood-fired cashews are directly promoted in Ho Chi Minh City, serving as bridges of commerce and culture.

Moreover, more than 4,000 hectares in Chau Duc, Dat Do, and Phu My are being planned for high-tech agriculture combined with tourism, creating “agricultural tourism villages” tied to green ecosystems. These models generate local jobs while increasing income through accommodation, food services, and local product sales. Internationally, this integration of agriculture and tourism helps promote Ho Chi Minh City’s brand as an eco-cultural metropolis, competitive with regional destinations like Chiang Mai (Thailand) and Bali (Indonesia).

Ecological agriculture not only ensures safe food supply but also creates a “green lung” and distinctive identity for the new Ho Chi Minh City. From the green seafood chain of Con Dao – Long Dien – Xuyen Moc – Can Gio to advanced new rural areas and eco-agriculture tourism models, the former Ba Ria–Vung Tau has demonstrated its adaptability and contribution to the mega-city structure. In a global context prioritizing sustainability, the synergy of industry, services, and ecological agriculture forms the “golden triangle” that empowers Ho Chi Minh City to emerge as a modern and livable international metropolis.