Understanding regional development strategies of the European Union and China: Lessons learned for Vietnam

This study aims to understand the European countries and China’s regional development strategies in enhancing cohesion and reducing regional disparity to serve as lessons learned for Vietnam. The study provides an overview of the approaches, priorities, and challenges faced in regional development policies pursued by the European countries and China, showcasing their respective efforts in addressing regional disparities and fostering sustainable development within their territories. From the EU’s macro-regional strategies (MRS), Vietnam can adopt principles of enhanced connectivity, sustainable development, inclusive growth, and institutional coordination to create a framework promoting balanced and sustainable growth. Additionally, the EU’s smart specialization strategy offers a model for fostering innovation-driven growth and regional competitiveness by encouraging regions to identify and capitalize on their unique strengths. From China’s regional development initiatives, Vietnam can learn the importance of targeted interventions to address regional disparities and promote balanced development. Also, China’s success in developing interconnected urban clusters or metropolitan areas-driven regional development strategies offers valuable insights for Vietnam’s urban agglomeration efforts. By adopting these strategies, Vietnam can enhance its sustainable urban development, improve livability, and maximize the economic potential of its cities and towns.