“An Thạnh, a suburb of Thủ Dầu Một?” a voice asks. That’s right. An Thạnh is more than just a place on a map. It’s a vibrant community with a story to tell.
Today, we’re standing on the edge of An Thạnh. But its history stretches back. It has transformed over time.
An Thạnh is part of Thủ Dầu Một. Thủ Dầu Một is a city in Bình Dương province. Bình Dương is near Ho Chi Minh City. This location has shaped An Thạnh’s destiny.
In 2020, Thủ Đức City was founded. It was created from districts 2, 9, and Thủ Đức District. This shows the growth and changes happening around An Thạnh. Thủ Đức City aims to boost economic growth. It wants to develop the Southern Key Economic Zone. This area is vital for Vietnam’s economy.
An Thạnh benefits from being close to this economic hub. The city-within-a-city model is used in other places. Examples are Canary Wharf in London and Silicon Valley in the US. This model suggests autonomy and policy incentives. It helps improve competitiveness. Shenzhen in China is an example of success. Its economy is now larger than Hong Kong’s.
Thu Duc City has 34 wards. These include An Khánh and An Lợi Đông. The city’s structure shows its administrative complexity. Ho Chi Minh City has 22 district-level subdivisions. There are 249 wards and 58 communes. This intricate network affects An Thạnh too.
Eight innovation centers drive Thu Duc City forward. These hubs focus on fintech, sports, and technology. They include the Saigon Hi-Tech Park and the Truong Tho Port Urban Area. This shows the focus on modernization.
Thu Duc City is expected to contribute a third of Ho Chi Minh City’s GRDP. It will also account for 7 percent of the national GDP. This is second only to Hanoi’s GRDP. It is higher than Bình Dương and Đồng Nai. An Thạnh plays a role in this economic picture.
Infrastructure projects connect Thu Duc City. These projects include the Hà Nội Highway and the Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thành–Dầu Giây Expressway. These transport links also benefit An Thạnh.
The New Eastern Bus Station is a key service. The Ho Chi Minh City Metro is planned to expand. These developments improve connectivity for residents.
During the South Vietnam era, the Thu Duc Military Academy was here. Now, Vietnam National University is located in Ho Chi Minh City. These facilities highlight education and history.
An Thạnh is part of a bigger story. It is a story of growth and change. As Vietnam develops, An Thạnh will continue to evolve.