Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said that it demonstrates the new way of thinking and vision, suitable to the orientation of the country's 2021-2030 socio-economic development strategy; and that it promotes development of localities in the capital region and the Red River Delta.

Dung said that Hanoi had only 12 months to complete the planning instead of 24 months as regulated, but it was implemented methodically and seriously, complying with the law on planning.

Hanoi Mayor Tran Sy Thanh said the dossier of Hanoi planning has been opened to opinions from members of the appraisal council. It includes 1,200-page documents and reports with 39 issues in different sectors.

The planning also contains 30 proposals from districts and towns, and strategic environmental assessment reports, a summary report, an appendix system, and a diagram and map system built on GIS (geographic information system).

According to Hoang Van Cuong, vice rector of the National Economics University, the planning shows five views about general development and three views about sectoral organization.

The planning emphasizes the standpoint that the capital city needs to develop rapidly, sustainably and creatively, acting as the growth pole, leading and promoting the development of the Red River Delta, and serving as the driving force in the North and an example of development for the whole country.

Under Hanoi's development, people will be put at the center and will be the subject, resources, driving force and goal of development based on science, technology and innovation.

Regarding the sectoral structure, Hanoi will focus on developing business fields and sectors categorized in five corridors and economic belts, associated with five development axes. Five types will be built, including construction space; underground space; digital space; cultural space; and public space (especially green space).

Hanoi aims to have an image representing a powerful and prosperous Vietnam, with leading growth in the region that keeps pace with the capital cities of modern Asian countries, with a GRDP per capita of $45,000-46,000 and urbanization ratio of 80-85 percent.

Three scenarios on economic growth have been designed. Under Scenario 1, in favorable conditions, Hanoi’s GRDP would be 9.5-10 percent. Under Scenario 2, Hanoi would obtain a growth rate of 8.5-9.5 percent. And in Scenario 3, the growth rate would be 7.5-8.5 percent.

How to obtain the desired growth?

Dao Ngoc Nghiem, vice president of the Vietnam Urban Development Planning Association, said that it was the most groundbreaking planning so far.

“In general, capital city planning follows closely the tasks approved by the Prime Minister. However, there is a challenge for the city that it has to simultaneously implement two key tasks – planning the city and adjusting overall planning. Specific policies identified in the Capital Law to create a development impetus are also being finalized before they are submitted to the National Assembly," Nghiem said.

Agreeing with the three scenarios on economic development, Cao Viet Sinh, former deputy minister of Planning and Investment, warned that it is difficult to implement the tasks as Hanoi has a large scale and has set high requirements.

Sinh pointed out that the economic structure of Hanoi is still unreasonable, with a low industrial production proportion which doesn’t help foster growth.

He believes that Hanoi needs to reconsider its orientation in digital transformation and innovation if it wants to grow fast. This issue remains unclear in the planning.

Commenting on Hanoi planning, Christopher Lewis Malone, Managing Director of Dalberg Southeast Asia, said the capital planning includes many aspects for growth, but it will be difficult for Hanoi to obtain the desired growth rate if it doesn’t have groundbreaking ideas.

He suggested that Hanoi focus on key business fields and sectors, and make breakthroughs to promote growth. It needs to consider its competitive edge in comparison with other cities, especially HCM City. Industries and technological fields should be the highlights for Hanoi to foster its economy.

In related news, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has proposed that the Planning Law be amended to remove  obstacles during implementation.

Tran Thuong