Hanoi remains steadfast in pursuit of strategic breakthroughs

Hanoi remains steadfast in pursuing three major strategic breakthroughs to realize socio-economic targets, including finalizing the development framework, focusing on infrastructure development, and promoting high-quality human resources.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Ha Minh Hai. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Ha Minh Hai delivered a report on the socio-economic development of the capital at the 13th Congress of the Hanoi City Party Committee on June 14.

The Vice Chairman stressed the importance of investing in transportation and digital infrastructure. In particular, he highlighted the need to speed up the progress of Ring Road No.4 in the Capital Region, build bridges across the Red River, and accelerate the development of light railways.

Regarding human resources, Ha considered high-quality talent and resources essential and transformative assets. He suggested further research and clarifying strategies to improve Hanoi's human resources when formulating capital planning and revising the Capital Law.

In the process of economic development, Ha expected the city to continue restructuring its economy and promoting new economic models.

"Efforts will be made to improve the investment and business environment, remove obstacles, support business growth, and promote production, export, investment, and consumption," he added.

At the same time, the city remains committed to promoting cultural and social development. This includes ongoing efforts to build and upgrade public schools to meet national standards, improve the healthcare system, and preserve and beautify historical monuments, with an estimated budget of VND49.2 trillion ($2.1 billion) in 2022-2025 and subsequent years.

Ha also noted that the city aims to build a robust startup and innovation ecosystem integrated with domestic, regional, and global value chains.

Another task highlighted by Ha is the need to synchronously and gradually modernize urban infrastructure while emphasizing the importance of managing construction order, land, and the environment to build a civilized and modern city.

Specific initiatives include the implementation of urban renovation and beautification projects while preserving and promoting the values of historical and cultural sites.

Overview of the meeting.

In this context, he called for greater efforts in formulating effective mechanisms and policies for urban management, development, conservation, and restoration of urban architectural spaces with cultural significance.

Ha touched on several issues, including delays in urban railway projects, social housing initiatives, and renovating and rebuilding old apartments. The completion of the "Yen Xa wastewater treatment system" and several drainage projects funded by public and social capital are also emphasized.

"Vigorous efforts will be made to inspect and act against construction works that violate regulations and encroach on public land," he said.

Simultaneously, the city is committed to developing the rural economy and constructing improved rural communes, aiming to build a new countryside at the city level.

The city will also focus on administrative reform, fighting corruption and waste, and resolving complaints and reports. The city aims to strengthen discipline, management practices, and accountability of agency and department heads while improving the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI). Anti-corruption measures, frugality and waste reduction, will be implemented comprehensively.

Completing major projects

Despite the unfavorable global economic environment, Hanoi's economic performance has been positive over the past year. The average GRDP growth rate in 2021-2022 is projected to be 5.86%, 1.13 times higher than the national growth rate of 5.25%.

Economic restructuring is being promoted, with services experiencing rapid growth in the structure of GRDP social work.

Meanwhile, the city is focusing on the development of science, technology, and innovation. The share of services, industry, and construction has increased by 0.52 percentage points compared to the beginning of 2021.

The per capita GDP in 2022 is estimated to be VND141.8 million (US$6,027), with an average growth rate of 7.07% per year.

The city has been successful in securing budget revenues that exceed annual estimates. From 2021 to 2022, the total state budget revenue in the area reached about VND656.1 trillion (US$27.8 billion).

The city focuses on the completion of major and strategically important projects. Of them, 164 projects are expected to be completed in 2023. Several notable projects have been completed or launched, such as the operation of the Cat Linh-Ha Dong Light Railway and the construction of the elevated Ring Road No.2.

In addition, the city plans to complete the second phase of the Vinh Tuy Bridge, start the operation of the Nhon Railway to the Hanoi Railway Station, and start the construction of Ring Road No.4 in the Hanoi Capital Region.