Hanoi's socio-economic development plan, approved by the City People's Council on 26/11, targets an 11% growth in gross regional domestic product (GRDP) and an increase in per capita income to 198 million dong by 2026, which is 20 million dong higher than the 2025 projection. The city also aims to keep inflation below 4,5% and ensure 100% of its residents have access to clean water through centralized systems.

The city strives for public transport to meet 22% of travel demand, to complete 18,000 social housing units, and to increase the average housing area to 30,5 square meters per person. Hanoi also mandates that all household waste be sorted, collected, and processed according to standards. Over 50% of urban wastewater is targeted for treatment, and the number of days with good or average air quality must exceed 80%.

A view of Hanoi from above, looking from the Nhat Tan Bridge. Photo: Hoang Phong

Five Major Solutions

To achieve these targets, Hanoi will review and propose amendments to mechanisms related to Resolution 15, the Capital Law 2024, and the city's planning system. This will facilitate the mobilization of social resources and attract major corporations to participate in key projects. The city commits to definitively resolving long-standing stalled projects, particularly in real estate, renewable energy, industry, and trade services.

Hanoi will vigorously promote digital transformation and build a data interoperability model across its political system. The city plans to break ground on two science-technology parks and expand its network of research zones. Five critical bottlenecks: flooding, traffic congestion, air and environmental pollution, food safety, and urban order will be addressed through synchronized solutions.

The city also expects to accelerate a series of major infrastructure projects, including urban railway lines 2.1 (Nam Thang Long - Tran Hung Dao) and 5 (Van Cao - Hoa Lac), Ring Road 4 - Capital Region, the Tu Lien, Thuong Cat, and Tran Hung Dao bridges, and the Red River landscape boulevard axis. Regarding housing, Hanoi will complete quality inspections of all old apartment buildings and resolve issues related to compensation and resettlement to expedite their renovation.

During the session, the People's Council also considered regulations for low-emission zones. The city will introduce additional penalties, identify clean energy vehicles by distinct license plate background colors, issue safety standards for charging stations and electric batteries, and develop a plan to ensure power supply during the vehicle transition process.

Additionally, Hanoi is implementing drainage elevation planning until 2045 and finalizing plans to address localized flooding. Efforts will also focus on improving air quality, reducing construction dust, ending illegal waste burning, restoring four inner-city rivers (To Lich, Kim Nguu, Lu, Set), and controlling pollution in the Nhue-Day river basin and the Bac Hung Hai irrigation system.

Secretary of Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Duy Ngoc speaks at the opening session of the Hanoi People's Council meeting. Photo: Hoang Phong

Speaking at the session, Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, announced that the capital's economy is projected for breakthrough growth in 2025, with 23 out of 24 targets met or exceeded. Gross regional domestic product (GRDP) is estimated to increase by 8,5%, and per capita income is expected to reach 176,4 million dong. Budget revenue is projected to exceed 641 trillion dong, an increase of nearly 22% compared to 2024. Foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction reached 4,1 billion USD, a 52% increase from the previous year, positioning Hanoi as the leader nationwide.

He emphasized that the capital leads the country in digital transformation and has been number one in innovation for three consecutive years, with numerous digital platforms now operational to serve residents. Hanoi is entering a new development phase with a substantial workload and many unprecedented tasks, demanding innovative thinking and more decisive action from all levels of government.

Vo Hai