Ba Vi District must prioritize agricultural and ecotourism as its core development focus in its vision for 2030, said Nguyen Doan Toan, Head of the Propaganda and Education Commission of the Hanoi Party Committee, on December 3.

"Ba Vi needs to expedite the approval of detailed 1:500 zoning plans, dividing the district into eight functional subdivisions," Toan told a working session with Ba Vi District's Party Committee.

He also urged the district to formulate medium- and long-term transportation infrastructure investment plans for the 2025-2030 period, calling it an urgent requirement.

Key proposed solutions include expanding provincial and national highways and developing direct routes to tourist destinations, he said.

"This will reduce travel time from central Hanoi to Ba Vi, and make the district more appealing through diversifying tourism offerings such as community tourism, resort stays, recreational activities, and high-end services," he said.

"To achieve these goals, Ba Vi must resolve bottlenecks in planning and management. Development plans must embody innovation, integration, and breakthroughs, helping to solidify Ba Vi's position in Hanoi's overall growth," Toan noted.

He commended Ba Vi for its achievements but stressed the importance of completing remaining objectives to contribute to the city's comprehensive development.

"To ensure sustainable growth, Ba Vi must strengthen its leadership role in tourism development, improve transportation infrastructure, and protect the environment," he said.

"Ba Vi is ready to advance, not only as a model rural district but also as a hub for ecological and cultural tourism."

Phung Tan Nhi, Standing Vice Secretary of Ba Vi District's Party Committee, said that the district has set 16 key targets, five primary tasks, three breakthrough initiatives, and 12 focused solutions for the upcoming term.

The goals include administrative reform, digital transformation, urban planning, transportation infrastructure development, attracting investment in tourism, and increasing the service sector's share in the local economy, he said.

According to Vice Secretary Nhi, the district Party Committee fulfills and exceeds 15 out of 16 targets set for the 2020-2025 Party Congress Resolution.

The district's average economic growth reached 4.5% per year. Per capita income stood at VND80 million (US$3,150) annually. Ba Vi accomplished all criteria for the title of New Rural Standard District in 2022, with 46.6% of its communes meeting advanced rural standards and 16.7% achieving exemplary standards.

Local authorities have raised some VND170 billion ($6,700) to keep the local landscapes green and clean, repaired 413km of roads, planted 45,500 trees, and installed nearly 39,000 streetlights.

The district houses nearly 400 historical relics with 134 sites being recognized and categorized by the Government. In 2020-2025 term, Ba Vi carries out 44 heritage preservation projects, with a total investment of VND1.3 trillion ($51 million).

The district has also strengthened its grassroots Party organizations by inducting 1,238 new members, with over 80% of Party cells consistently meeting annual performance standards, and enhance Party committees by adopting technologies.

However, Ba Vi's urban planning strategy has remained inconsistent, limiting its ability to fully leverage local potential. Agricultural production remains fragmented, lacking significant investment and high-value agricultural models.

The district's complex terrain poses challenges in providing clean water to mountainous areas and Hanoi's only island commune of Minh Chau. Land management and construction order in agricultural and forestry zones remain unresolved due to unclear administrative responsibilities.

Forest management planning, particularly in the forestry sector, also faces inadequacies. Economic development projects must accelerate to meet the goal of transforming Ba Vi into a premier destination for tourism, culture, and ecological resorts in Hanoi.