The ‘sidewalk clearing’ campaign and authorities’ handling of the ‘traffic hot spots’ citywide are among the list of ‘ten outstanding events’ of Ho Chi Minh City in 2017 announced Friday by the municipal administration.

The initiative to keep sidewalks in District 1 and other neighborhoods clean and clear was carried out throughout the year, illustrating the city’s determination to improve its urban landscape, according to the panel that prepared the top-ten list.

Even though the campaign failed to completely succeed, as sidewalks are still being occupied by street vendors and motorbike parking, the initiative has won support from local residents and did improve traffic and restore order on pavements in many streets, the panel said.

A man walks on a clean and clear sidewalk in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

In the meantime, one of the tasks that required the biggest effort from Ho Chi Minh City authorities in 2017 was to handle and resolve the frequent congestion at such ‘black spots’ as the entrance to Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Cat Lai Port.

To this end, the municipal has implemented a series of measures, which have proven to be effective, and managed to complete many constructions to ease traffic, such as two roads on the Tan Son Nhat –Binh Loi – Outer Belt route, the Nguyen Kiem – Hoang Minh Giam flyover, and Phu Huu Bridge.

A flyover is seen near Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Another remarkable item in the top-ten list is that the southern Vietnamese metropolis has scrapped requirement that one must have residence registration in the city to be allowed to work as a public servant.

The move has ensure fairness for everyone in the recruitment and allows the city to attract talents, who otherwise would have had their application rejected for not being a registered city resident.

A public servant is seen at her office in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Below is the full list of the ten outstanding events of Ho Chi Minh City in 2017, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

1. The National Assembly adopts resolution on piloting specialized mechanisms, policies for Ho Chi Minh City’s development.

Covering five sectors, the document is expected to help the southern metropolis better tap its natural advantages during development while bringing into full play its resources to develop more rapidly and sustainably,  and address major challenges to the city’s development in the next 30-50 years.

2. Ho Chi Minh City fulfills and overshoots many socio-economic development targets

In 2017, the city’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) grew by 8.25 percent, higher than the previous year.

3. Ho Chi Minh City announces smart city project

The project sets a vision towards 2025, targeting high and sustainable economic growth. With people as the centre, the project aims to make the best use of its resources.

4. Ho Chi Minh City supports start-ups, innovations

In 2017, Ho Chi Minh issued a plan on completing a startup and innovation ecosystem, supported businesses with many practical policies, and regularly organized meetings and dialogues with domestic and foreign firms to remove their difficulties.

5. Ho Chi Minh City attracts over six million international tourists

With a range of tourism promotion programs, as of December 16, the city welcomed six million foreign visitors. The figure is expected to reach about 6.4 million in by year-end. 

6. Ho Chi Minh City strives to restore order on roads, pavements

The city has taken measures to restore order on many roads and pavements over the past year. With the support of most of local residents, the situation has improved in many roads.

7. Ho Chi Minh City handles traffic jams

The city has addressed ‘hot spots’ of traffic congestion, especially the areas around Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Cat Lai Port, which are considered gateways to the city.

8. Ho Chi Minh City scraps requirement of having residence registration in the city in public servant recruitment

The city has abolished the requirement of having residence registration in the city when recruiting public servants for local agencies and units since November 1, 2017.

9. Ho Chi Minh City joins efforts to overcome natural disaster consequences

In 2017, Vietnam suffered many storms and floods causing severe consequences. Ho Chi Minh City attracted nearly VND40 billion ($1.76 million) to support storm and flood victims in northern, central and Central Highlands regions.

10. Ho Chi Minh City hosts World Cultural Festival

Taking place from November 11 to December 3, the Ho Chi Minh City – Gyeongju World Cultural Festival introduced land, people and culture of Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular to friends from the Republic of Korea and other countries.

Besides, the city also successfully hosted the third Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM3) and the 24thAPEC Small-and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting.