At the 5th conference of the Hanoi Party Committee on March 27, Nguyen Xuan Luu, member of the Standing Board of the Hanoi Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, reported on the implementation of the 2021–2025 socio-economic development plan, highlighting comprehensive achievements across sectors that lay a solid foundation for the next phase.

Improving institutions to build a foundation for sustainable development

Institutional development and refinement have continued to advance and stand out as a key achievement in implementation. The city has proactively streamlined its organizational structure in line with the two-tier local government model, ensuring smooth, efficient operations.

The drafting and issuance of legal documents to implement the Capital Law have been accelerated, helping to remove institutional bottlenecks and create a favorable legal environment for development.

According to Luu, this serves as a fundamental factor enabling Hanoi to effectively translate central strategic resolutions, particularly Politburo Resolution No. 02 on capital development in a new era.

The capital's economy has maintained strong growth momentum despite challenges. GRDP in 2025 reached 8.16%, exceeding the target and demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

Major economic balances have been maintained, while state budget revenue rose significantly from VND324.13 trillion ($12.3 billion) in 2021 to VND711.2 trillion ($27 billion) in 2025, leading the country and reinforcing Hanoi's role as a key contributor to the national budget.

Trade activities have rebounded, with stable growth in import-export turnover, while tourism has recovered strongly, particularly international arrivals.

Foreign investment attraction has achieved positive results, adding resources for development. The number of newly established and reactivated businesses has increased, reflecting strong confidence in Hanoi's investment environment.

Cultural and social sectors have developed in parallel. Hanoi continues to lead the country in education, especially in national academic competitions.

Healthcare services have improved, with a focus on digital transformation. Many major political and cultural events have been successfully organized, enhancing the city's image and standing.

Urban and transport infrastructure have been significantly upgraded, with numerous key projects completed and put into operation. Environmental projects, particularly in waste treatment, have made notable progress toward sustainability.

Administrative reform and digital transformation remain bright spots. Hanoi ranks first nationwide in digital transformation, leading in implementing new governance models. On-time administrative processing rates remain high, improving public satisfaction. External relations and international integration have expanded, further elevating the capital's global profile.

These achievements during 2021–2025 demonstrate the determination of the entire political system and affirm Hanoi's leading and spillover role for the region and the country.

Identifying three strategic pillars for the next phase

Building on this foundation, Hanoi enters the 2026–2030 period with greater ambition. According to Luu, the overarching goal is to develop the capital into a "Cultured – Civilized – Modern – Happy" city, with comprehensive, sustainable growth centered on people as the core, subject, objective and driving force.

The city has set specific targets, including average GRDP growth of around 11% per year, per capita GRDP of approximately $12,000, a digital economy accounting for about 40% of GRDP and an urbanization rate of 65%–70%.

Targets for education, environment, infrastructure and workforce development are also set at high levels, reflecting a strong commitment to improving development quality.

To achieve these goals, Hanoi has identified three strategic pillars: institutional improvement, planning development and growth model transformation.

Institutional reform is the key breakthrough; planning defines spatial development; and growth model innovation serves as the main driver for rapid and sustainable progress.

The city will focus on developing new economic models such as the green economy, circular economy, digital economy and night-time economy, while promoting science, technology and innovation, particularly in high-tech fields such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

At the same time, Hanoi will prioritize developing synchronized, modern infrastructure, especially in transport, urban development and environmental systems. Urban railway lines, Red River bridges and ring roads will continue to be expanded to enhance regional connectivity and growth.

Urban space will be organized under a multi-polar cluster model, promoting satellite cities and effectively leveraging the Red River corridor, aiming to build a green, smart and livable capital.

In cultural and social sectors, the city will continue preserving and promoting heritage values while developing cultural industries into a key economic sector. Education and healthcare will be modernized to improve service quality and ensure social welfare.

Administrative reform will remain a priority, focusing on streamlining the apparatus, improving governance efficiency and combating corruption and waste.

A key factor receiving special attention is the mobilization and efficient use of resources. Total social investment for the next phase is expected to reach around VND5 quadrillion, with diversified funding sources and expanded public-private partnerships creating significant growth potential.

With clear direction, concrete targets and synchronized solutions, Hanoi is steadily realizing its development ambitions, maintaining its role as a leading economic driver and contributing significantly to national progress in the new era.