1. Strong renewal in leadership thinking, methods and style toward "action and results"

Hanoi entered a new phase with a heavy workload and many complex, unprecedented challenges that demanded stronger action, stricter discipline and more tangible results across the entire political system.

The Hanoi Party Committee continued to strongly renew its leadership thinking, methods and style, ensuring that every policy stems from reality, every action delivers measurable results and every commitment reaches completion.

"Hanoi says what it does, works fast, works right, works effectively and works to the end." This direction from the Party General Secretary became a clear call to action and a consistent principle guiding the 18th-term Hanoi Party Committee.

In the final months of 2025, the city witnessed a major breakthrough in decisiveness and speed across the political system. Authorities focused on resolving new, difficult and unprecedented issues, as well as long-standing bottlenecks that had persisted for many years.

At the same time, the city built a new governance model that shifted from management to facilitation, placing people and businesses at the center. All Party policies now serve the goal of public service and people's happiness.

This spirit of innovation, responsibility, decisiveness and leadership by example spread widely and strengthened public trust in an action-oriented city Party organization.

2. Hanoi Party Congress turns capital vision into reality in a new era

Held from October 15 to October 17, 2025, the 18th Hanoi Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term, themed "Promoting a thousand years of cultural and heroic traditions, building a clean and strong Party organization, pioneering and breaking through in a new era, developing a civilized, modern and happy capital", concluded successfully.

This marked the first city-wide Party Congress held after Hanoi and the country streamlined the administrative apparatus, reorganized administrative units and implemented the two-tier local government model.

Under the motto "Solidarity – Democracy – Discipline – Breakthrough – Development", the congress affirmed the courage, intelligence and aspiration of the city's Party organization, government and people to pioneer with the nation into a new era of prosperity and strength.

3. Strong Hanoi identity shines during celebrations of August Revolution and National Day

Under close central guidance, Hanoi organized major national holidays and political events in a structured and professional manner.

The highlight came from activities marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, including the grand parade and march on September 2 at historic Ba Dinh Square.

People did not stand merely as spectators. They became the central force of a national celebration, continuing a proud history while leading the country into a new era.

The success of these events demonstrated Hanoi's organizational capacity and the unity of the entire political system and the city's residents.

The capital left a strong impression of hospitality, solidarity and the grace of civilized Hanoi citizens.

4. A model example in reorganizing and operating the two-tier local government system

Alongside the rest of the country, Hanoi officially implemented the two-tier local government model on July 1, 2025, bringing the government closer to the people.

Beyond reducing the largest number of commune-level administrative units nationwide, Hanoi proactively carried out restructuring in a systematic and scientific manner, showing agility in translating major Party and State policies into practice.

After the reorganization, the city streamlined its administrative apparatus. The formation of 126 new wards and communes ensured rational boundaries, cultural harmony and new development space for each locality.

Decision-making and administration became more streamlined and efficient. The city strengthened decentralization and delegation, linked with administrative reform and digital transformation and improved coordination across sectors and levels.

Hanoi expanded its development capacity and laid a strong foundation for socio-economic growth.

5. Budget revenue surpasses $22.8 billion for the first time

Through innovation, resilience and the collective effort of the political system, residents and businesses, Hanoi achieved strong socio-economic results across many sectors in 2025.

The city met and exceeded all 24 socio-economic targets. GRDP grew by about 8.2%. State budget revenue reached VND668.52 trillion ($25.4 billion) by December 25, 2025, equal to 130.1% of the estimate and up 37.8% from 2024.

The economy maintained macroeconomic stability, controlled inflation and ensured major balances.

These results created a solid foundation for Hanoi's pursuit of double-digit growth in the coming years.

6. Leading the nation in digital transformation, science, technology and innovation

Hanoi affirmed its pioneering role in implementing Politburo Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

The city ranked first nationwide in the Digital Transformation Index and led all four core indicators.

Hanoi also held the top position in the Innovation Index for the third consecutive year and formed more than 5,000 community digital technology teams.

Hanoi became the first to integrate four Party administrative procedures into the National Public Service Portal.

The "iHaNoi – Digital Capital Citizen" app, launched on October 10, 2025 with nine new features, gained recognition as the country's most successful digital citizen platform.

On December 25, 2025, the city launched the Hanoi Innovation Network, clearly demonstrating its determination to lead in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

These achievements boosted the digital economy, improved living standards and advanced the smart city agenda.

7. Launching major strategic infrastructure projects with a 100-year vision

In 2025, Hanoi marked a major turning point in infrastructure investment, launching a series of strategic projects alongside institutional reform and a 100-year master plan.

These projects expanded urban space, strengthened regional connectivity and addressed long-standing issues such as traffic congestion and environmental pollution.

Following the National Assembly's approval of Resolution 258 on special mechanisms for major projects, Hanoi moved quickly to implement it by launching and accelerating key developments.

These included Tu Lien Bridge, site clearance for Ring Road 1, the National Exhibition and Fair Center, the Pearl Theater and Cultural Arts Park and Tran Hung Dao Bridge.

The city also launched Metro Line 5 (Van Cao–Hoa Lac), the Olympic Sports Urban Area, the Red River Landscape Boulevard, the To Lich River renovation project and the road linking Hanoi with Gia Binh Airport in Bac Ninh, moving toward the vision of a "Red River miracle."

8. Leading education, sports and social welfare nationwide

Hanoi's education sector continued to lead in quality and excellence. The 2025 high school graduation rate reached 99.91%, ranking second nationwide.

In early December, UNESCO recognized Hanoi as a member of the Global Network of Learning Cities, acknowledging the city's sustained efforts to build a comprehensive learning society that promotes lifelong learning and inclusive development.

Hanoi also led in social welfare, effectively implementing poverty reduction, caring for people with meritorious service and supporting vulnerable groups.

The city invested strongly in healthcare, expanded high-quality medical services, strengthened grassroots health systems and applied technology in community health management.

Hanoi recorded the highest Human Development Index nationwide and eliminated temporary and dilapidated housing while maintaining zero multidimensional poverty.

Beyond local welfare, Hanoi actively supported other localities affected by natural disasters, reinforcing national solidarity.

The spirit of "Hanoi for the whole country, the whole country for Hanoi" spread widely, shaping the image of a compassionate and responsible capital.

In sports, Hanoi athletes excelled, winning 62 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze medals at Asian championships. At the 33rd SEA Games, Hanoi contributed 29 of Vietnam's 87 gold medals, accounting for over 33%.

The 11th Hanoi Sports Games in 2025 marked the largest event of its kind, signaling a new stage in mass sports and elite athletics.

9. Tourism breakthroughs and a rising creative city and cultural industry hub

Hanoi tourism achieved a major breakthrough in 2025, highlighted by a set of 80 signature tourism products spanning heritage, ecology, creativity, night economy, agriculture and craft villages.

The city welcomed a record 33.7 million visitors, including an estimated 7.82 million international arrivals, up 22.76% and more than 25.88 million domestic visitors, up 20.32%.

The cultural industry also stood out through major events such as celebrations of the August Revolution and National Day, national concerts and the Thang Long–Hanoi Festival.

These successes reaffirmed Hanoi's role not only as the nation's political and administrative center but also as a major event hub, creative center and driver of the national cultural industry.

They laid the foundation for culture to become a key economic sector contributing to GRDP growth and Hanoi's global standing.

10. Strong defense, security and expanding external relations elevate Hanoi's global profile

Hanoi maintained strong defense, security and social order, ensuring absolute safety for nearly 3,000 major political and diplomatic events, including the 80th anniversary celebrations.

External relations and international integration reached new heights, reinforcing Hanoi's role as the country's diplomatic center.

The city organized six high-level overseas missions, hosted 29 international delegations and signed two provincial-level international agreements with Japan and the Russian Federation.

Hanoi also made a strong mark by ensuring security for delegates from more than 100 countries attending the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, or the Hanoi Convention, a global symbol of peace in the digital era.

This marked the first time a Vietnamese location became associated with a global multilateral convention in a field of high international interest, affirming Hanoi's position as a globally connected city and a center of peace, friendship and cooperation.