At the opening session of its 25th regular mid-year meeting on July 8, the 16th Hanoi People’s Council (2021–2026 term) addressed key issues facing the capital.

Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Politburo member, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, and Head of the city’s National Assembly delegation, called on council members to approach discussions and resolutions with a long-term vision, bold thinking, decisive action, and clear accountability

She stressed that residents and businesses must remain at the heart of policy-making and that issued policies must be practical, streamlined, and truly implemented.

Hanoi Party Chief Bui Thi Minh Hoai at the session. 

Secretary Bui Thi Minh Hoai noted that the first half of 2025 unfolded amid significant international and regional instability, impacting both the national agenda and Hanoi’s planned initiatives.

Despite these challenges, she said, adherence to guidance from the Central Party, Politburo, Secretariat, National Assembly, and Government, along with strong unity and coordinated efforts across all levels of the political system and citizens, enabled Hanoi to achieve broad-based progress across multiple sectors.

The city has successfully restructured its local administrative units under the two-tier governance model, establishing 126 streamlined communes and wards to enhance administrative efficiency and unlock new development opportunities.

Political structures in the newly formed units were promptly established, and the first council meetings held on July 1 were conducted in full compliance with legal procedures, ensuring a smooth and orderly transition. The two-tier system is now fully operational and showing early signs of effectiveness.

Hanoi’s socio-economic performance showed strong momentum in the first half of 2025. The city’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) grew by 7.63 percent, up from 6.13 percent in the same period last year and slightly above the national average of 7.52 percent.

Budget revenue totaled VND392.2 trillion (approximately US$17.05 billion), reaching 77.6 percent of the annual target and rising 51.4 percent year-on-year.

Foreign direct investment inflows neared US$3.7 billion—more than double the figure recorded in the first half of 2024.

Tourist arrivals hit 3.694 million, including 2.636 million international visitors, marking a 22.1 percent increase year-on-year.

Overview of the session. 

The city has made positive strides in urban management, rural development, cultural heritage preservation, healthcare, and education. Hanoi retains its leading national position in education quality and athletic achievements. Residents enjoy improved health services and living standards. 

The government has also aggressively tackled environmental pollution, waste management, and air quality issues, with efforts underway to revive city rivers—especially the To Lich River—with a goal of making all urban waterways "Clean and Bright."

Strategic initiatives have also advanced: the comprehensive implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 15, the 2024 Capital Law, the 2021–2030 capital master plan with a 2050 vision, and the general urban planning to 2045 with a vision to 2065; and the timely rollout of four strategic resolutions on reform, innovation, and breakthrough issued by the Politburo.

Secretary Bui Thi Minh Hoai emphasized that these accomplishments reflect the joint efforts of the entire Party organization, government, and capital residents, under close leadership by the Party Committee, People's Council, and People's Committee, with strong support from central authorities, Hanoi's National Assembly delegation, and local constituents. She particularly thanked the active and responsible participation of People's Council members.

While recognizing this progress as a crucial foundation, she warned that the second half of 2025 will present numerous challenges. She proposed the following priorities:

First, the council must thoroughly analyze and evaluate first-half socio-economic results, budget and public investment outcomes, as well as remaining challenges, to make informed and innovative resolutions. These decisions should be grounded in reality and fully align with the strategic high-level policies adopted by the Party and with the ongoing implementation of the two-tier model from July 1, 2025.

Second, the council must refine and implement special mechanisms and policies granted to Hanoi by the Politburo and National Assembly—such as those under the 2024 Capital Law and approved master plans—to significantly improve the business environment and mobilize investment. Policy discussions should prioritize long-term vision, responsibility, feasibility, and simplicity. The People's Council must enhance its oversight role to ensure effective implementation.

Third, both the People's Council and People's Committee must reinforce discipline, accountability, and leadership responsibility in administering the new two-tier local governance model. They must eliminate bureaucratic delays and evasiveness. Officials at all levels must clearly understand their roles and responsibilities; each task must proceed with clarity on accountability, timelines, and outcomes.

Secretary Bui Thi Minh Hoai underscored that the success of the Capital Law, digital transformation, and other initiatives ultimately depends on dedicated, principled public servants. She urged all council members and officials to bring wisdom, courage, integrity, and service spirit to their roles. She also stressed the importance of combating negative behavior, corruption, and vested interests that could emerge during the implementation of new policies.

Finally, she called on the People's Council, its Standing Committee, and all representatives to stay proactive, innovative, and bold in carrying out their roles and legal responsibilities. She encouraged them to focus oversight and accountability efforts on issues guided by Party leadership and those most pressing to citizens.

"With utmost determination to achieve the goals and tasks set for 2025, we believe that the 25th session of the People's Council will successfully complete its agenda, and we look forward to leveraging the wisdom, creativity, and innovative spirit of the council members in deciding the city's key matters," Secretary Bui Thi Minh Hoai concluded.