Philippine Secretary of Economy, Planning and Development Arsenio M. Balisacan points out that Metro Manila and Ho Chi Minh City are pulling in businesses, innovation projects and talent. Their cooperation offers useful lessons for other megacities.

Balisacan explained that megacities like Metro Manila and Ho Chi Minh City act as magnets, drawing businesses, innovation projects and talent, which creates agglomeration economies that boost productivity. By bringing these resources together, local economies can operate more efficiently and produce goods at lower cost.

He warned that if megacities are not managed well, they can aggravate pollution, traffic congestion, housing problems and high cost of living. Balisacan stressed that effective coordination among multiple local authorities is essential for an efficient and livable metropolitan area. He noted that Metro Manila is made up of several different local authorities and that considerable coordination is needed to ensure services such as transport, housing, electricity and water work together.

According to Balisacan, Ho Chi Minh City is less dense, with about 2,038 people per square kilometre, compared with 22,561 in Metro Manila, giving it more room for better urban planning. This lower density allows the city to plan more mass‑transit systems and improve livability.

Balisacan said Vietnam’s target of double‑digit economic growth for 2026‑30 creates investment opportunities for Philippine companies, and the same growth will generate positive spillovers for the Philippines. He highlighted that such complementary economic benefits encourage both sides to invest in each other.

Finally, Balisacan noted that Vietnam excels in STEM education and manufacturing, exemplified by VinFast, while the Philippines leads in services and business process outsourcing. Other megacities can learn that sharing complementary strengths and coordinating planning can boost productivity and improve livability.