Faced with these demands, the city has established an important institutional foundation to create new development spaces, new resources, and position Hanoi as a leading economic, cultural, scientific, and technological center in the region. Reporters from HanoimoiNewspaper, along with experts, discussed and clarified this important foundation.

Hanoi from above. 

Along with the Capital Law, the city has been actively implementing the Hanoi Capital Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, and the Adjustment of the General Planning of the Capital until 2045, with a vision to 2065. According to experts, what new opportunities and values do these two planning projects, approved by the Prime Minister at the end of 2024, bring for the development of the Capital?

Le Ngoc Anh, Director of the Hanoi Institute for Socio-Economic Development Studies (the unit responsible for the Hanoi Capital Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050): 

The Hanoi Capital Planning reflects a long-term vision with aspirations for the future, embodying the "far-reaching dreams, big thinking, and smart solutions" of the government and the people of the capital. The aim is to build and develop Hanoi into a globally connected city by 2050, reaching the level of capitals of developed countries in the region and the world.

The Capital Planning has identified five general development perspectives, three spatial development perspectives, key objectives, and 21 indicators. Among them, four breakthrough areas have been defined: institutions and governance; synchronized, modern, and connected infrastructure; development of high-quality human resources; science, technology, and human resources; urban areas, environment, and landscapes. Additionally, the planning outlines five driving axes, five urban zones, and the comprehensive, effective, and reasonable exploitation and utilization of five development spaces.

Regarding the economy, what is Hanoi's strategy to achieve a growth rate above 8%, moving towards double-digit growth in the coming period?

Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Cuong, former Vice Rector of the National Economics University (the leading entity in the consortium for the Capital Planning):

 In fact, Hanoi has not only recently set the goal of achieving a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth rate of 8% and moving towards double-digit growth between 2026 and 2030. In April 2024, the draft Capital Planning set a target of 8.5-9.5% GRDP growth for the 2021-2030 period. Despite concerns from experts, city leaders remain highly determined to achieve this target.

To achieve this goal, the planning has comprehensively addressed economic development directions that the city is beginning to implement. These include economic restructuring linked to the transformation of the growth model based on science, technology, and innovation; the development of the digital economy, green economy, circular economy, and sharing economy.

Moreover, the planning includes infrastructure development, human resource training, and investment attraction policies to position Hanoi as the leading hub in Northern Vietnam for semiconductor, artificial intelligence, and digital technology industries, as well as other emerging sectors. It also aims to develop high-tech and eco-industrial parks, attracting global corporations to execute key projects in the capital.

What aspects have been inherited from previous planning projects?

Architect Le Hoang Phuong, Director of the Hanoi Architecture and Planning Center (under the National Institute of Urban and Rural Planning): 

Hanoi, a thousand-year-old capital, has undergone multiple planning phases, each preserving significant historical values. Therefore, each subsequent planning phase has always focused on inheriting and further developing past plans to maximize achievements while incorporating new elements suited to Hanoi's evolving conditions and Vietnam's broader development context.

As the lead unit for the Adjustment of the General Planning of Hanoi Capital until 2045, with a vision to 2065, and a key participant in the Capital Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, we emphasize the importance of inheritance in these two projects. This includes continuity in development models, spatial planning, and crucial orientations for technical and socio-economic infrastructure. Additionally, the two projects introduce new concepts, such as the development philosophy centered around the core principle that "People are at the heart of development." Hanoi is envisioned as a cultured, globally connected, elegant, harmonious, prosperous, service-oriented capital where businesses contribute, society fosters trust, and residents enjoy happiness.

Both planning projects also set the requirement for Hanoi to develop faster and more robustly to affirm its role as the national center. This necessitates assuming key functions to drive breakthroughs, particularly in science and technology, human resources, and green development. We have incorporated these elements into both plans to facilitate Hanoi's transformation.

Consistency and Continuity for the Capital's DevelopmentHow is Hanoi concretizing these two planning projects? According to experts, what should the city prioritize to ensure effective implementation?

Le Ngoc Anh, Director of the Hanoi Institute for Socio-Economic Development Studies: 

The Hanoi People's Committee has developed an Implementation Plan for the Capital Planning with the guiding principle of "five clear points, one consistent approach." The Capital Planning has been concretized into over 800 tasks, with specific assignments to lead implementation units (covering target and indicator groups; key tasks and breakthrough areas; sectoral development solutions; and priority projects and initiatives). Currently, the draft plan is being reviewed by relevant ministries and agencies, with an expected issuance in March 2025.

Additionally, the city will establish and operate a monitoring system to assess real-time implementation results. Various departments, sectors, and localities have been assigned specific responsibilities to translate the plan into action through concrete programs, projects, and initiatives, starting from the early months of 2025. Priority will be given to projects related to core infrastructure, industrial zones, cultural and social institutions, schools, and hospitals.

Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Cuong, former Vice Rector of the National Economics University: 

The planning projects set forth ambitious goals, with clearly defined pathways and concrete solutions to achieve them. To translate these goals and ideas into reality, alignment in awareness and commitment across all levels, sectors, and institutions is essential. Public communication efforts must help citizens understand that changes will bring benefits to individuals and the city as a whole.

Leaders and policymakers must remain steadfast in their commitment to the planning vision, ensuring consistency and continuity. The development of the Capital is a long-term process that cannot be measured in the short term. The Capital Planning sets a vision for 2050, and its realization depends on leveraging Hanoi's unique regulatory and institutional advantages. Achieving these objectives requires strong determination from the city government and substantial resource mobilization from society to create breakthroughs, positioning Hanoi on par with developed nations by 2045.

What should be prioritized in the near term?

Architect Le Hoang Phuong, Director of the Hanoi Architecture and Planning Center: 

In implementation, certain short-term priorities require greater attention from the city. First is improving regional connectivity—this is a critical issue to reinforce Hanoi's status as the nation's capital and lead the Red River Delta region. The completion of ring roads, radial roads, and railway systems should be expedited in coordination with national programs.

Secondly, the relocation and reorganization of healthcare, cultural, and educational facilities should be prioritized. A particular focus should be placed on restructuring the education system while simultaneously establishing research institutes and training centers to support both Hanoi and the country.

The third priority is the urgent remediation of environmental pollution. Starting with addressing air and water pollution, Hanoi must also tackle green development, infrastructure upgrades, population resettlement, and the improvement of both old and new urban areas that fail to meet safety standards. While labeled as a single program, it encompasses multiple simultaneous initiatives with integrated value in effectively implementing planning solutions.

Thank you for your time!