Experts and scholars asserted that the Capital Law 2024 will ensure principles of development while addressing the current practical demands, aligning with the nation’s overarching goal of entering a new era — an era of Vietnam's rise and might.
| Hanoi from above. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times |
Hanoi, as the "heart," "leader," and "reference" of the nation, holds a unique administrative status, said Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Nga from the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics at the scientific conference "Implementing the Capital Law No. 39/2024/QH15: Theoretical and Practical Issues", organized by the Hanoi Party Committee, People's Council, and People's Committee in collaboration with the Editorial Board of the Communist Review.
This requires a specialized legal framework to enable the capital to maximize its resources for sustainable development, Nga said.
She highlighted the importance of codifying laws and raising awareness—particularly among local government leaders, of their responsibilities in managing both economic growth and environmental protection. Only by understanding the relationship between economic development and environmental management can sustainable development goals be fully realized.
Capital Law 2024 is designed to cover all aspects of sustainable development comprehensively. It provides a legal framework to implement Hanoi's strategic planning initiatives. These include the Hanoi Capital Planning for the 2021–2030 period with a vision to 2050 and the Adjustment of the General Planning for Hanoi Capital to 2045 with a vision to 2065.
These planning initiatives focus on leveraging Hanoi’s cultural and historical values in agriculture, rural development, and disaster prevention, alongside protecting the environment and ecosystems. Identifying planning solutions and economic development strategies that prioritize sustainability, green spaces, and ecological modernization has become an urgent requirement for the current period.
The Capital Law 2024 also establishes a legal framework for safeguarding human habitats. It emphasizes human-centered policies to advance culture, healthcare, education, and social welfare. By promoting values of elegance, civility, compassion, and modernity, the law aims to position Hanoi as a cultural beacon representing the conscience and dignity of the Vietnamese people. It recognizes the cultural identity of Hanoians as a vital resource for sustainable development, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Additionally, the law institutionalizes mechanisms to encourage citizen participation in contributing to the capital's growth and preserving and enhancing the identity of its people. Notably, it includes policies to attract and retain talent and high-quality human resources, which are critical to the law's implementation. These policies aim to recruit outstanding Vietnamese citizens—both domestic and overseas—with exceptional ethics, expertise, and practical experience. The city will also attract and employ highly skilled and experienced foreign professionals.
Furthermore, the Capital Law 2024 is expected to improve the overall legal system and ensure the consistent and effective implementation of laws. With prioritized and groundbreaking mechanisms and policies, the law aims to propel the capital forward to meet the nation’s demands as it enters a new era—an era of Vietnam’s ascent and might, Nga said.
| Electronics production at Rhythm Precision Vietnam in Noi Bai Industrial Park. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times |
Based on current realities and future projections, the Politburo Resolution No. 15-NQ/TW outlines the following goal for 2030: Hanoi is to become a "Civilized, Modern, and Cultured" city. It should be a central hub driving the development of the Red River Delta, the Northern Key Economic Region, and the entire country. Hanoi is also expected to engage in deep international integration, demonstrate high competitiveness regionally and globally, and strive to be on par with the capitals of developed nations in the region.
By 2045, the vision is for Hanoi to be a globally connected city with a high standard of living and quality of life. Its economy, culture, and society are to develop comprehensively, harmoniously, and distinctively, representing Vietnam while achieving parity with the world's developed capital cities.
The objectives and vision in Resolution No. 15-NQ/TW reflect a clear roadmap toward establishing Hanoi as a "Civilized, Modern, and Cultured" capital with global standing, ready to rival the capitals of developed countries. The realization of this vision is codified in Article 17, Clause 1 of the 2024 Capital Law regarding urban planning and development.
Resolution No. 15-NQ/TW also provides guidance for urban planning for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision for 2050. It proposes to study models for urban areas under the jurisdiction of the capital, including areas in the north (Dong Anh, Me Linh, Soc Son) and the west (Hoa Lac, Xuan Mai). Smart urban development will be prioritized, particularly along the Nhat Tan–Noi Bai axis.
Hanoi's urban structure will center on the Red River as a green axis and scenic focal point, fostering balanced urban development on both sides of the river. Plans include increasing the proportion of land for urban development, stabilizing residential areas along the Red and Duong Rivers, and expanding urban underground spaces, green areas, and public spaces.
Additionally, significant efforts will be made to develop synchronized infrastructure, apply advanced technology in urban management, and enhance environmental protection measures, all aimed at building a green, clean, beautiful, and sustainable Hanoi, emphasized Dr. Arch. Truong Van Quang.
Meanwhile, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Chair of the Hanoi Metropolitan University Council, stressed the need for Hanoi to focus on key sectors. The city must clearly identify high-potential industries that align with its development strategy, such as digital technology, information and communication technology, biotechnology, new materials technology, semiconductor manufacturing, automation technology, environmental technology, carbon emission reduction, climate change adaptation, finance, and services. Investments should also target training and research programs in these fields to develop a high-quality workforce that meets market demands, he noted.
