The 18th Congress of the Hanoi Party Committee for the 2025–2030 term officially opened at the National Convention Center on the morning of October 16.

General Secretary To Lam attended and delivered a keynote address. Also present were former General Secretary Nong Duc Manh; Politburo Member and State President Luong Cuong; former Politburo Members and former State Presidents Nguyen Minh Triet and Truong Tan Sang; Politburo Member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh; former Politburo Member and former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung; Politburo Member and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man; former Politburo Members and former National Assembly Chairmen Nguyen Van An and Nguyen Sinh Hung; Politburo Member and Permanent Secretary of the Party Central Committee Tran Cam Tu; and several other senior Party and State leaders.

Overview of the event. 

The congress also welcomed representatives of the Party Central Committee, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, ministries, central agencies, and political organizations, along with delegations from Hai Phong, Da Nang, Hue, Can Tho, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, Ninh Binh, and Quang Ninh. 

Revolutionary veterans, Heroes of the People's Armed Forces, Labor Heroes, and leaders and former leaders of Hanoi across different periods were in attendance, as well as intellectuals, scientists, religious dignitaries, representatives of ethnic minorities, and 550 outstanding delegates representing 136 Party organizations and nearly 500,000 Party members in the city.

In her opening address, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai stated that, during the previous term, Hanoi achieved notable results despite many challenges. 

Under the close leadership of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, the Secretariat, and the support of the National Assembly, the Government, and central agencies, Hanoi's Party Committee, authorities, armed forces, and citizens united in innovation and determination to successfully implement the 17th Congress Resolution.

The Party building and political system were strengthened comprehensively. The city enhanced inspection, supervision, and anti-corruption efforts, while mass mobilization and public communication work saw positive renewal. 

Administrative structures were streamlined to ensure the smooth operation of the two-tier local government model, improving services for citizens and businesses.

Hanoi's economy continued to affirm its leading role as a growth engine for the capital region, the Northern Key Economic Zone, and the entire country. Urban development achieved remarkable progress, while culture, health, education, and social welfare all advanced significantly. 

Delegates at the event. 

Living standards improved, and national defense, security, and public order were maintained. The city ensured the absolute safety of major national and international events and successfully organized major celebrations, particularly the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, which left a profound impression on the people and international friends.

"Our country is entering a new era of development, prosperity, and national strength," Secretary Bui Thi Minh Hoai emphasized. 

"Hanoi now faces intertwined opportunities and challenges that require the Party, government, and people of the capital to demonstrate strong determination and great effort to achieve the city's development goals."

With the motto "Solidarity – Democracy – Discipline – Breakthrough – Development," the 18th Congress will review the implementation of the 2020–2025 Resolution, define the direction, goals, and solutions for 2025–2030, discuss and contribute feedback on the draft documents of the 14th National Party Congress, and elect the 18th Executive Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee and the city's delegation to the 14th National Party Congress.

Secretary Hoai recalled that, during the Politburo's working sessions with the Hanoi Party Committee on preparations for the congress, General Secretary To Lam repeatedly emphasized that "the 18th Congress of the Hanoi Party Committee must be exemplary, reflecting a spirit of innovation, creativity, and aspiration." 

She called on all delegates to uphold responsibility, wisdom, and commitment to meet the expectations of the Party Central Committee, General Secretary To Lam, and the people of the capital and the nation—contributing to building a civilized, modern, and happy Hanoi that advances confidently with the country into a new era of national growth and prosperity.