On 23/7, Le Van Tuan, Deputy Director of Da Nang Department of Construction, clarified that the city currently has no official policy or decision to relocate its administrative center. This statement was made during a press conference for the first six months of 2026, organized by the Da Nang People's Committee. Tuan emphasized that any relocation would significantly impact the socio-economic structure and the lives of citizens. He added that the idea of moving the administrative center southward remains solely a proposal from experts presented at a specialized workshop.

Tuan stressed that any such proposal, if seriously considered, must be integrated into the city's overall long-term development strategy and align with its approved General Plan. Da Nang officials would meticulously evaluate various factors, including infrastructure, investment resources, traffic management, and potential impacts. Before implementing any major policy, the city government would follow a comprehensive regulatory process, which includes soliciting feedback from central ministries, agencies, and the public. Media outlets were urged to provide accurate information to prevent any negative influence on the investment environment.

Le Van Tuan providing information at the press conference on the afternoon of 23/7. *Photo: Nguyen Dong*

The discussion around relocation emerged earlier, on 15/5, during a workshop to gather feedback on Da Nang's General Plan to 2050, with a vision to 2075. At this event, Hoang Su, former Deputy Director of Quang Nam Department of Construction, suggested moving the administrative center to a new urban area south of Cua Dai (south of Hoi An). Su argued that Da Nang's central core is experiencing increasing strain, currently housing a population of 1.2-1.3 million. Relocating, he explained, would alleviate infrastructure pressure and stimulate investment in the proposed southern area.

Le Tri Thanh, Chairman of the Da Nang Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, echoed the sentiment regarding the need to prepare for future development space. He noted that the administrative center for the 2030-2045 period requires integrated planning that considers both infrastructure and urban spatial development.

The administrative center (cylindrical building with a lighthouse symbol). *Photo: Nguyen Dong*

Da Nang is currently in the process of adjusting its city General Plan. According to a representative from the Department of Construction, should the public consultation process reveal a need for adjustments, including the relocation of the administrative center, the city will officially announce and implement them according to proper procedures. This comes as Da Nang prepares for significant growth: following its merger with Quang Nam from 1/7/2025, the city will encompass 23 wards, 70 communes, and the Hoang Sa special zone. Its area will span over 11,859 km2, with a population exceeding 3 million. Projections indicate that by 2050, the city's total population will reach approximately 6 million, necessitating an increase in residential land to 28,000-44,000 ha to accommodate development demands.

Nguyen Dong