Speaking at a session on appraising development planning for 2021-2030 on February 23, the chair of the provincial planning appraisal council, Nguyen Chi Dung, said Hanoi has many challenges and ‘bottlenecks’ that need to be solved. Hanoi’s economic position is on the decrease compared with other cities and provinces in the Red River Delta. Its GRDP in 2023 was 6.27 percent only, the ninth out of 11 localities in the delta.

“In order to develop strongly, Hanoi needs to identify its specific potential and outstanding advantages. The new development planning needs a new approach, with an open way of thinking and clear roadmap of implementation,” Dung said.

“There must be focus for development implemented on the basis of regional links to create ‘spillover’ effects, deserving its position as a growth pole in the region and the country,” he said.

Hanoi Party Committee Secretary Dinh Tien Dung said Hanoi has to report to the Politburo about the capital city development planning in April.

It is expected that Hanoi will complete the relocation of universities from the inner city to establish modern urban areas and smart university area with international stature, thus helping ease traffic congestion in the inner city.

“We are prioritizing the development of the Van Cao – Hoa Lac railway and we are discussing with ministries and branches about converting Hoa Lac Airport into dual-use,” Dung said.

He said that Hanoi will allocate socio-economic development spaces in economic corridors and belts and development axes, in association with the effective mobilization and use of resources.

Attention is being paid to the plan on developing the Red River axis, which not only reflects historical value and cultural value that deepens Thang Long - Hanoi culture, but but also the center of the capital city.

Hanoi Mayor Tran Si Thanh said city planning in 2021-2030 is one of three important things that the city will focus on in 2023, together with the adjustment of city general planning and the Law on Capital City (amended).

The drafts of the laws have been submitted to agencies for consideration and appraisal in order to implement Politburo Resolution No 15.

Former Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Cao Viet Sinh suggested that Hanoi should include industry and hi-tech as key economic sectors. It is necessary to expand industrial zones to attract investments in semiconductor and AI. 

Thu Hang