On the afternoon of December 16, Hanoi’s People’s Committee held a conference to outline its plans for socio-economic development, state budget projections, and staffing in administration, public services, and science and technology. The event also marked the launch of the city’s emulation movement for 2025.

The city aims for its gross regional domestic product (GRDP) to grow by at least 6.5% in 2025, with per capita GRDP reaching approximately VND 172.4 million. Investment capital is expected to rise by 10.5%, while export turnover is projected to increase by 5% or more.

Temporary halts on staffing and appointments

At the conference, Tran Dinh Canh, Director of the Department of Home Affairs, proposed a temporary suspension of accepting civil servants from central and local agencies to work in Hanoi during the period of organizational review and restructuring.

Hanoi will also suspend civil service recruitment exams, including those at the commune level, except for units that have completed the first round of examinations before December 31, 2024. Additionally, the city will pause the appointment of new leadership and management positions in subordinate agencies and units unless absolutely necessary.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, Hanoi plans to streamline and reorganize departments and sectors, reducing internal units by 15–20%. This will exclude entities already slated for mergers or unification due to overlapping functions and responsibilities.

The reorganization will also involve downsizing the civil servant workforce, restructuring personnel, and improving the quality and efficiency of public institutions post-restructuring.

Concluding the conference, Chairman Tran Sy Thanh noted two major priorities for 2025: preparing for party congresses at all levels and restructuring the city’s political-administrative system.

He expressed concern that the preparations for party congresses might lead to inertia among some officials who fear upsetting the status quo and, as a result, avoid handling sensitive issues such as land clearance, which could negatively impact economic progress.

Regarding administrative streamlining, Chairman Thanh acknowledged the potential psychological impact on officials and civil servants. “I simply hope that our colleagues, especially those in leadership positions, don’t overthink this process,” he said.

Key changes in Hanoi’s organizational structure

Under the proposed restructuring plan, Hanoi will merge or consolidate several departments:

The Department of Planning and Investment with the Department of Finance

The Department of Transport with the Department of Construction

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

The Department of Information and Communications with the Department of Science and Technology

The Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs with the Department of Home Affairs

Certain responsibilities will also be reassigned: Management of vocational education will shift to the Department of Education and Training; Oversight of social welfare, child protection, and social issues will move to the Department of Health.

Additionally, the Religious Affairs Committee under the Department of Home Affairs will merge with the Ethnic Affairs Committee to form the Committee for Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

The city will also study and propose plans for restructuring press agencies, public service units, and state-owned enterprises under Hanoi’s People’s Committee.

Hanoi will review all activities of steering committees, retaining only those deemed essential.

Quang Phong