Northern Son La province targets having 16 urban areas by 2025 under its urban development plan to 2030 approved by the provincial People’s Committee.

Its urbanization rate is expected to be 20.6 per cent by 2025 and over 30 per cent by 2030.

Urban areas will cover more than 2,734 ha by 2025 and over 3,578 ha by 2030.

In order to reach the targets, the province will need estimated investment of nearly VND432 trillion ($17.6 billion).

The goal of the plan is to restructure the urban network, focusing on developing major urban areas to serve as locomotives for socio-economic development in the province.

It is also aimed at improving urbanization quality and developing urban areas in a sustainable, smart, and green manner with climate change adaptation in mind.