The Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee issued a decision on 19/5, approving the general planning task for Duc Trong commune. The planning scope covers the entire area of over 148 km2 of Duc Trong commune, with a short-term phase extending to 2030 and a vision to 2050.

Duc Trong is oriented to develop as a smart, green, and sustainable urban area, becoming a regional trade, logistics, and service center.

In the immediate phase, the locality aims to complete criteria for a modern new rural area, working towards achieving type 3 urban status. The province prioritizes investment in technical infrastructure, developing industrial zones, constructing a centralized wastewater collection and treatment system, and mitigating urban flooding.

Lien Khuong - Prenn expressway through Duc Trong commune. *Photo: Nghia Nguyen*

Long-term, Duc Trong is envisioned as a core urban area and an international gateway to the Central Highlands, seamlessly connecting with the expressway system and Lien Khuong airport. This area is also planned for modern social infrastructure development, adapting to climate change, and boosting research and development (R&D) in biotechnology, deep processing of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

The plan includes constructing and operating the Duc Trong inland container depot (ICD), establishing a transit center connecting the Central Highlands with the Southeast region and the South Central Coast.

Notably, the planning task identifies Duc Trong as the future new administrative-political center of Lam Dong province. This area is oriented for development as an administrative urban model, fostering growth for the entire region, and simultaneously becoming a national-level innovation and high-tech center.

Duc Trong commune is approximately 30 km from Da Lat, Lam Dong's current administrative-political center. This area is a vital transportation hub for Lam Dong, featuring Lien Khuong airport – the largest airport in the Central Highlands – connecting with TP HCM, Ha Noi, Da Nang, and many other localities.

The locality is also situated on National Highway 20, the Lien Khuong - Prenn expressway, and the Dau Giay - Lien Khuong expressway, which is currently under investment. These routes shorten travel times to the Southeast region and central coastal ports.

Beyond its transportation advantages, Duc Trong is a strong agricultural technology, agricultural product processing, and logistics development area, thanks to its large land fund and relatively flat terrain compared to many other parts of Lam Dong.

Following its merger with Binh Thuan and Dak Nong, the new Lam Dong province spans over 24,200 km2, making it the largest in the country with a population exceeding 3,8 million. With its boundaries expanding from the highlands to the South Central Coast, Duc Trong is considered a central location due to its inter-regional transport connectivity and urban development land.

The Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee has assigned the Duc Trong Commune People's Committee to organize the planning, with the Department of Construction responsible for appraisal. The general planning project is expected to be completed in Q2 this year.

Khanh Huong - Truong Ha