At this historic turning point, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television conducted a brief interview with VO VAN MOT, former Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee (PPC) and former Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee.

* Based on your practical experience as a former provincial leader, how do you assess Dong Nai’s current development planning and for the coming period?

• From the perspective of a former provincial leader, I - like many others - have always hoped to see both the country and the province continue to grow. I still remember that Long Thanh International Airport was first planned as early as 1991 by the Dong Nai PPC, the People's Council, and the Provincial People's Committee. After many decades, the airport is now present. It stands as a

clear testament to the long-term vision and perseverance of the generations of Dong Nai's provincial leadership.
The transport system is the “lifeblood,” playing an extremely important role in the socio- economic development of Dong Nai province in particular and the whole country in general. Therefore, Long Thanh International Airport carries even greater significance, particularly if the proposal to establish Dong Nai as a centrally governed city is approved by the National Assembly.
However, I believe planning between the airport and surrounding areas remains insufficiently integrated. The province needs to take a more decisive approach in reviewing, adjusting, and implementing its plans in a coordinated manner, avoiding fragmented and disconnected development. When Long Thanh International Airport comes into operation, pressure on population distribution, as well as technical and social infrastructure in surrounding areas, will increase rapidly. Without thorough preparation, traffic congestion is a significant risk. Planning, therefore, should not focus solely on urban expansion but must also ensure balanced population distribution alongside synchronized development of social infrastructure.

• In your view, what are the key “bottlenecks” or challenges that need to be addressed when the proposal of establishing Dong Nai City is approved?

• Alongside significant opportunities, Dong Nai faces a major challenge - its human resources. For decades, the province has attracted a large influx of migrant workers due to its extensive industrial zones. However, this workforce remains largely unskilled, with a shortage of trained labor possessing technical expertise.

A view of Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province. Photo: Cong Nghia

Looking ahead 10–20 years, even the unskilled workforce will become an "aging population." The pressing task now is to invest in vocational training and improve workforce quality to bridge this gap, ensuring the province does not fall behind in an era of rapid technological advancement.

The ultimate goal of the proposal of establishing Dong Nai City is to improve people’s lives, securing prosperous and happy living standards for the locals. What are your expectations for the province’s development when Dong Nai becomes a centrally governed city in the time ahead?

• Compared to the years following national reunification in 1975, the country has undergone significant changes up until now. I still recall a time when my wife and I simply hoped to secure enough rice rations to feed our children. Today, living standards have improved significantly.

With the Government targeting double-digit economic growth, I believe that within the next 10– 20 years, people’s lives in Dong Nai will be far more modern and prosperous than they are today. However, development should not be measured solely by growth figures or per capita income. More importantly, it must lead to a comprehensive improvement in quality of life. People should live in well-planned urban environments, with synchronized infrastructure, efficient transport systems, and high-quality healthcare, education, and cultural services.
With major drivers such as Long Thanh International Airport, expanding expressways, and an increasingly integrated regional transport network, Dong Nai is well-positioned to achieve breakthroughs. However, opportunities always come with challenges, the province also needs a long-term vision, methodical planning, and strict management to develop in the right direction.
I believe that Dong Nai will not only achieve its goal of becoming a centrally governed city but will also emerge as a highly livable place - where people truly enjoy prosperity, happiness, and pride in their homeland.

• Although you are no longer in a leadership role, your dedication to Dong Nai clearly remains. Looking at today’s dynamic younger generation, is there any guiding principle you would like to pass on for them to learn from and build upon?

• I have been retired for more than a decade and rarely consider my concerns and thoughts as lessons for others. However, with a deep sense of responsibility and affection for Dong Nai, I sincerely hope the province continues to develop in a strong and sustainable manner, worthy of its potential and status.

If the National Assembly approves the proposal to establish Dong Nai as a centrally governed city, alongside the completion of infrastructure, urban renewal, and socio-economic development, the province needs to pay special attention to mechanisms and policies to attract a contingent of cadres, civil servants, and public employees who are competent, highly qualified, and dedicated. This includes ensuring stable incomes, housing conditions, and opportunities for training and professional development, so they can work with confidence and dedicate themselves to long-term service. Only with a pool of dedicated, competent, and capable cadres can Dong Nai meet the demands of a major urban center, fulfill its development ambitions, and better serve the needs and well-being of its people.
I have great confidence in today’s younger generation as they have access to better education, modern technology, and broader opportunities for development - advantages previous generations did not have. With the foundation laid by earlier generations, combined with their dynamism and intellect, I firmly believe Dong Nai has all the conditions needed to rise strongly in the new era and emerge as a modern, well-developed city.