Hanoi charts path toward green and smart development

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has set a new growth model driven by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation to realize its vision of a green, smart and sustainable capital.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Truong Viet Dung delivered the message at the 18th  Congress of the Hanoi Party Committee held on October 16 at the National Convention Center where gathered 550 delegates representing the city’s 500,000 Party members to review the implementation of the 17th Congress resolution, define goals for 2025–2030 and elect the Hanoi Party Committee’s new executive committee.

Innovation as a key growth driver

Vice Chairman Dung said that in a competitive global landscape, growth must be driven by knowledge, technology, human capacity, governance and culture rather than natural resources or low-cost labor.

He said Hanoi remains committed to building a civilized, cultured and modern capital guided by the four core values of leadership, sustainability, intelligence and environmental consciousness.

According to the Political Report of the 18th Congress, innovation and digital transformation are central pillars of Hanoi’s growth model, enabling the city to play a leading role in national development and contribute to realizing the 14th National Party Congress Resolution.

Between 2021 and 2025, Hanoi recorded rapid growth, improved quality and made steady progress toward a smart city.

By 2025, the economy is projected to expand over 8%, reaching a GRDP of US$63.5 billion and per capita income of US$7,200. Labor productivity is expected at VND347 million (US$13,175) per worker, with total factor productivity contributing 53%.

Hanoi has built a knowledge-based economy and modern urban infrastructure. High-tech manufacturing now accounts for 18%–20% of GRDP and the digital economy for 23%. The Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, with 111 projects totaling US$4.5 billion in investment, serves as a key innovation hub.

Strategic directions for the next phase

To achieve an average annual growth rate above 11% for 2026–2030 and a per capita GRDP of US$12,000 by 2030, Hanoi will focus on several strategic directions.

It includes creating breakthroughs in institutional reform by refining special mechanisms to promote new technologies, enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

More than 4% of the municipal budget will go to science and technology, while the manufacturing sector will rise to 25% of GRDP. Urbanization will reach 70%, supported by a full digital infrastructure.

Another focus will be boosting investment in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation. The digital economy is expected to contribute 40%–50% of GRDP. The city will develop R&D clusters in semiconductors and artificial intelligence, build Digital Government 4.0, apply AI-based management systems and train 50,000 highly skilled workers.

Hanoi aims to advance economic and urban development through a people-centered approach. Plans include renovating the Old Quarter and West Lake areas and developing the Red River banks as a new urban symbol.

The city targets also include completing 100 kilometers of metro lines, finalizing ring roads 2.5 to 5 and constructing nine new bridges across the Red River. Notably, it expects a 30% public transport share.

By 2028, Hanoi expects to restore four inner-city rivers, implement waste sorting at source, treat 70% of wastewater and increase green space to more than 10 square meters per person.

Another issue will be the development of culture and social welfare, regarding them as both a foundation for sustainable growth. Accordingly, the city will expand cultural and tourism industries, build modern cultural and sports complexes, establish an International Park for Arts and Innovation and promote the concept of a global learning city.

Remarkably, Hanoi will also link socioeconomic growth with national defense, security and international integration. It will strengthen cooperation and join networks of green, creative and smart cities while upholding the spirit of “Hanoi for the country – the country for Hanoi.”

Vice Chairman Truong Viet Dung affirmed that under the motto “Solidarity – Democracy – Discipline – Breakthrough – Development,” the Party, government and people of Hanoi are determined to act decisively to build a green, smart and sustainable capital worthy of being the heart of the nation.