Hanoians express hopes for bold, visionary reforms at Party Congress

As Hanoi's 18th Party Congress (2025–2030 term) opens today, officials, experts and residents share with Kinh te & Do thi (Economic & Urban) Newspaper their views on the capital’s achievements over the past term and their expectations for new directions that will drive the city’s sustainable growth in the coming years.

Tran Khanh Hung, Deputy Head of the Economic and Budget Committee, the Hanoi People’s Council: Hanoi maximizes its potential and achieves comprehensive progress

Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic in the early years of the 2020-2025 term, Hanoi has made strong progress in economic, social, defense, security and political development.

Key infrastructure projects such as Vinh Tuy Bridge (phase 2), Ring Road 2 (elevated section from Vinh Tuy Bridge to Nga Tu So Intersection), the Cat Linh–Ha Dong and Nhon–Hanoi Railway Station metro lines and the National Exhibition Center have helped connect urban areas, ease congestion and boost growth.

Environmental projects like the Seraphin waste-to-energy plant and Yen Xa wastewater treatment plant have improved the city’s sanitation. Upgraded parks and revitalized rivers have also enhanced the urban landscape.

The two-tier local government model has stabilized and improved efficiency and accountability at the grassroots level. Overall, Hanoi has effectively leveraged its advantages to achieve comprehensive results, laying a solid foundation for fast and sustainable development.

With three breakthroughs, five key goals and five focus areas for 2025–2030 to be discussed at the upcoming congress, I believe Hanoi will continue to play its leading role in the nation’s growth.

Do Trong Nam, Party Secretary and Chairman of the People’s Council, Van Mieu–Quoc Tu Giam Ward: Hanoi must lead and inspire national progress

The two-tier government model has proven effective. The administrative system is now leaner, with clear decentralization and improved efficiency. People enjoy faster, more convenient public services, which builds trust and social consensus. This is an important step toward building a modern, smart and professional city government.

For the Party Committee, authorities and people of Van Mieu–Quoc Tu Giam, these achievements are a great source of pride and motivation to further develop this historic and cultural ward – home to Vietnam’s first university.

We expect the 18th Congress to adopt breakthrough directions for fast, sustainable, civilized and modern development. We also hope the city will further promote its heritage spaces, especially Van Mieu–Quoc Tu Giam, turning it into a “cultural and intellectual nucleus” for Hanoi and the country.

Nguyen Thanh Liem, Party Secretary and Chairman of the People’s Council, Quang Minh Commune: Building a smart, green and livable urban space

In the past term, Hanoi successfully completed its 2024 new rural development targets, improving living standards in rural areas. Many communes met advanced and model rural standards and rural incomes rose significantly.

Hanoi is entering a strategic development phase. By 2030, the city aims to become “Civilized – Modern – Green – Smart”, and by 2045, a global city of identity, innovation and integration. By 2050, it strives to be one of the region’s most livable green and creative cities.

In the 2025-2030 term, I hope Hanoi will focus on reducing pollution, improving air and water quality and expanding public spaces. Transport projects such as metro lines, express bus routes, ring roads and flyovers should move faster to improve regional connectivity and ease congestion.

Quang Minh Commune aims to become a dynamic northern growth hub, focusing on high-tech industry, logistics and smart urban services, while combining ecological agriculture with experiential tourism to preserve cultural identity.

Nguyen Le Ngan, Vice Chairwoman of the Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Secretary of the Youth Union, Bach Mai Ward: Encourage young Party members to lead community projects

The 18th Hanoi Party Congress takes place as Vietnam enters a new era of growth and innovation. I hope the congress will uphold the spirit of creativity and reform while setting clear, practical goals for sustainable community development.

To improve Party work in the coming years, the Party committees should further promote the pioneering role of young Party members by encouraging innovation, community involvement and social responsibility.

Digital transformation in Party work must be strengthened across political, ideological and organizational areas, including inspection, supervision, anti-corruption and mass mobilization.

I also hope the city will nurture a new generation of capable young officials with firm political ideals, strong professional skills and innovative thinking to meet Hanoi’s development needs.

Le Thi Tuyen, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Chairwoman of the Women’s Union, Bat Bat Commune: The growing role of women in society

Under the leadership of the Party, Hanoi has made strong progress in economic growth, political stability and social welfare. Gender equality and women’s empowerment have improved thanks to effective city policies and growing social awareness of women’s roles.

As a women’s leader in a rural area still facing difficulties, I hope the congress will continue prioritizing economic and social development in disadvantaged regions. The city should invest more in transport, clean water, schools and healthcare facilities in remote communes to help rural women access essential services.

Vocational training and job support for rural women should be expanded, along with programs for disadvantaged and ethnic minority women to promote sustainable economic independence.

It is also important to strengthen education on gender equality and reproductive health, prevent domestic violence and enhance women’s political participation so their voices can shape policy.

I believe the congress will introduce breakthrough policies ensuring comprehensive and inclusive women’s development.

Dinh Quoc Phong, Party Secretary of Cell No.5, O Cho Dua Ward: Promoting a cultured, civilized and hospitable Hanoi

Hanoi has seen many positive changes in recent years. A notable highlight is the successful revival of the To Lich River, now clean and contributing to local economic growth and urban beauty.

The 2020-2025 term has also introduced the policy of tuition exemption and lunch support for students starting from the 2025–2026 school year, reflecting the city’s strong commitment to education and social welfare.

Major infrastructure projects, new bridges and improved waste management have reduced congestion and improved urban living conditions.

After more than three months of implementing the two-tier government model, the city has achieved strong public consensus. The recent celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day also showcased a graceful and welcoming capital.

Looking ahead, we hope that Hanoi will prioritize transport development, accelerate bridge construction and continue restoring polluted rivers to create a cleaner and more livable environment.

Pham Tien Vinh, Party Secretary of Cell No.20, Vinh Tuy Ward: Building a livable and investor-friendly Hanoi

Hanoi is moving forward with high expectations for the new term. The city should focus on solving key bottlenecks such as traffic congestion and pollution to make Hanoi more livable and attractive to investors.

The shift from a three-tier to a two-tier government model, emphasizing service to citizens and businesses through smart governance, is vital for building a modern capital.

In the next term, officials and residents expect the Party Committee to implement clear policies to attract talent, foster innovation and develop a high-quality workforce for strategic and core technologies.

The city must also complete a modern, green and interconnected transport network, including urban railways and ring roads, especially Ring Roads 3 and 4, to ease congestion and enhance economic growth.

Administrative reform and digital transformation in public services must continue, helping build a professional and efficient government that serves people and businesses better.