Hanoi Party Chief demands clarity, results in two-tier system
The aim is to improve governance, unlock development potential, optimize resources, and drive faster, more sustainable growth for the benefit of the people.
THE HANOI TIMES — Implementing the two-tier local government system demands clear, coherent, and efficient operations, free from responsibility shifting and accountability avoidance, said Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai at the opening of the 25th session of the Hanoi People’s Council, which took place today (July 8).
Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai at the session. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times
Hoai said the first half of 2025 was a historically significant period marked by comprehensive and far-reaching reforms, particularly in the strategic restructuring of administrative and political systems.
“These efforts aim to enhance the effectiveness of governance, unlock new development space, better utilize available resources, and create the momentum and mechanisms for Hanoi and the country to develop more rapidly and sustainably in service of the people,” said Hoai.
According to Hoai, Hanoi has led in restructuring local administrative units, reducing the number of communes and wards by 76% to 126.
The city has also simplified organizational models, improved administrative procedures, and accelerated digital transformation within the political system.
Overview of the 25th session of the Hanoi People's Council.
Hanoi recorded a 7.63% growth in gross regional domestic product (GRDP), surpassing the national average. Budget revenue reached over VND392 trillion (US$15.4 billion), up 51.4% year-on-year. The city attracted nearly $3.7 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), which is 2.2 times higher than during the same period last year. Furthermore, it welcomed over 2.6 million international visitors.
Beyond economic gains, sectors such as culture, health, education, and sports have maintained leading positions nationwide. The city has also focused on improving environmental quality, managing waste, and gradually revitalizing central rivers, such as the To Lich. All of this is part of Hanoi's vision for a cleaner, more prosperous city.
According to Hoai, Hanoi is entering a new development phase with favorable conditions thanks to the amended Capital Law and a series of newly approved master plans. However, the remaining months of the year will present significant challenges.
She called on the municipal People’s Council to discuss practical issues thoroughly and propose feasible, breakthrough solutions. In particular, she stressed the need to maximize available resources and address shortcomings in the implementation of the two-tier administrative model.
"All resolutions must put citizens and businesses first. Policies must be realistic, reduce bureaucracy, and be truly implementable," she said.
Hoai also underlined the importance of administrative discipline and personal responsibility, particularly among leaders, and cautioned against evasion and blame-shifting as well as firm action against corruption, vested interests, and the abuse of new policy mechanisms.
"We must put an end to the situation where higher levels advocate for change while lower levels remain indifferent. Every department, agency, and official must clearly understand their roles and responsibilities, carrying out their work with transparency, urgency, and accountability," she stressed.
Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan during his opening speech.
The 25th session of the Hanoi People’s Council is the city’s mid-year meeting to review socioeconomic development, national defense, and budget performance in the first half of 2025. The meeting will also set priorities for the remainder of the year.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Council, Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, urged delegates to objectively assess progress, identify remaining issues, and propose effective solutions to achieve the city’s growth target of at least 8%. Tuan emphasized the importance of this task, especially as the two-tier governance system begins operation.
Tuan said that this session will review 16 reports and pass 21 resolutions, including key policy packages to implement the amended Capital Law. These include mechanisms to attract strategic investment, develop cultural industry centers, promote commercial-cultural districts, manage and utilize riparian agricultural land, reduce plastic waste, and support social and health insurance for policy beneficiaries.
“These are new policies with practical and significant implications for implementing the Capital Law. They will play an important role in advancing the city’s development,” said Chairman Tuan.
