Hanoi People's Council Vice Chairman Tran The Cuong receives Australian Political Exchange Council delegation

10:00 AM, Mon April 13, 2026

Tran The Cuong, Member of the Standing Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee and Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council, on the afternoon of April 13, received a delegation from the Australian Political Exchange Council led by Sook Yee Lai, Acting Speaker of the Western Australia Legislative Assembly, Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party, and Chair of the ASEAN Friendship Parliamentary Group.

Welcoming the delegation to Hanoi, Cuong expressed appreciation for the group's working visit and described it as a valuable opportunity for young leaders from both sides to exchange experiences and contribute to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Australia.

Hanoi People's Council Vice Chairman Tran The Cuong receives Australian Political Exchange Council delegation- Ảnh 1.

Overview of the meeting.

Providing an overview of the Capital's development, Cuong said that in 2025, Hanoi's economy maintained strong momentum, with GRDP estimated at $63.5 billion and per capita income reaching $7,200.

State budget revenue exceeded VND711 trillion (US$28.4 billion), up 38%, while total social investment reached nearly VND600 trillion (US$24 billion). The city attracted $4.37 billion in foreign direct investment, up 52%. Tourism welcomed 33.7 million visitors, up 20.87%, with total revenue estimated at VND135 trillion (over US$5 billion).

According to Cuong, along with the rest of the country, Hanoi successfully held elections for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term. The city has also completed the restructuring of leadership at both city and commune levels, with the new administration now operating stably.

Notably, the Hanoi People's Council recently approved a Capital Master Plan with a 100-year vision. The plan sets out the goal of building a capital defined by "culture, identity, and creativity," and a city that is "civilized, modern, and livable." It serves as an important legal foundation for Hanoi's breakthrough development in the new era.

Hanoi People's Council Vice Chairman Tran The Cuong receives Australian Political Exchange Council delegation- Ảnh 2.

Tran The Cuong presents a commemorative gift to the Australian delegation.

Cuong noted that Hanoi is currently implementing several major projects, including an Olympic Sports Urban Area, the Red River landscape boulevard axis, a Digital Technology and Mixed-Use Park, a Healthcare Complex for the elderly, and a multi-functional urban area, among others. These projects aim to improve living conditions for residents.

Introducing the structure and operations of the Hanoi People's Council, Cuong said that under the Law on Local Government Organization, the council holds a special and important position as "the state authority at the local level, representing the will, aspirations, and ownership rights of the people." The council is now in its 17th term.

For the 2026–2031 term, the Hanoi People's Council includes five committees: Economic and Budget, Cultural and Social Affairs, Legal Affairs, Urban Affairs, and Science, Technology and Environment, with a total of 124 delegates, including 35 full-time members.

In recent years, the council has fulfilled its responsibilities with notable achievements, earning recognition from voters and residents of the Capital, and receiving high praise from National Assembly leaders as a "bright spot" among People's Councils nationwide.

Hanoi People's Council Vice Chairman Tran The Cuong receives Australian Political Exchange Council delegation- Ảnh 3.

Delegates pose for a commemorative photo.

On the occasion of the delegation's visit, Cuong expressed hope that both sides would move toward signing memoranda of understanding to promote cooperation, focusing on areas such as law enforcement, environmental protection, and investment attraction.

Speaking at the meeting, delegation head Sook Yee Lai thanked the Hanoi People's Council for the warm reception and expressed strong impressions of the Capital's development achievements, particularly its rich history, culture, and people.

Agreeing with Cuong's remarks, Lai said she hopes both sides will strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the Hanoi People's Council and the authorities, legislative, and executive bodies of Western Australia in particular, and Australia more broadly.

She also affirmed readiness to welcome delegations from Vietnam, especially from Hanoi, to visit and work in Australia in the near future.

Thanking Lai for her remarks, Cuong said the exchange reflects the ongoing implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Australia. He expressed confidence that, with shared commitment and strong potential, the cooperation initiatives discussed would soon translate into concrete breakthroughs, becoming a highlight of the growing ties between Hanoi and Australia.