Hà Nội’s Vĩnh Tuy Bridge. Hà Nội has undertaken a comprehensive revision of its General Planning for the construction of the Hà Nội Capital until 2045, with an outlook to 2065. VNA/VNS Photo

On the occasion of the 69th Anniversary of the Capital's Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2023), Politburo member, Secretary of the Hà Nội Party Committee, Đinh Tiến Dũng, has penned an article on the development of the capital city and its plans for the coming period.

69 years after the Liberation Day of the Capital (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2023), Hà Nội is now embracing new opportunities for development yet also grappling with numerous challenges. The current reality calls for the Party Committee, government, and the people of the Capital to redouble their efforts in implementing the Party's resolutions, paving the way for a rejuvenated trajectory of progress. In the immediate future, our collective aim should be to successfully accomplish the goals, targets, and tasks set for 2023, gearing up to welcome 2024 with unwavering determination and vigour, ultimately achieving remarkable milestones as we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Capital's Liberation Day.

From the commencement of the 2020-2025 term until now, Hà Nội, like the entire nation, has weathered the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and witnessed substantial fluctuations in the global economic and geopolitical landscape. However, under the resolute leadership and guidance of the Party Central Committee, the Party Committee, the government, and the resilient citizens of the Capital have consistently harnessed the spirit of heroism, unity, dynamism, and innovation, yielding multifaceted achievements that bear the hallmark of excellence.

Hà Nội’s economy stands out as a shining beacon of growth. The city's Gross Domestic Product (GRDP) soared by 2.92 per cent in 2021 and an impressive 8.89 per cent in 2022, both figures surpassing the national average. Despite the visible global economic downturn in the first nine months of 2023, Hà Nội’s economy has exhibited steady improvement each quarter, with the first quarter registering a 5.81 per cent increase, the second quarter at 5.93 per cent, and the third quarter at 6.49 per cent. Notably, the total State budget revenue for the region over this period is estimated at VNĐ305 trillion, reaching 86.5 per cent of the annual projection and marking a remarkable 24.6 per cent upswing from the same period in 2022. These statistics underscore the highly promising prospects of an authentic economic recovery.

In addition to its routine tasks, the city has demonstrated its commitment to strategic thinking and long-term vision by boldly implementing a series of pivotal policies.

Notably, the Hà Nội Party Committee, on May 5, 2022, proposed Resolution No 15-NQ/TU, which was subsequently signed by Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng on behalf of the Politburo. This resolution outlines the direction for the development of the Hà Nội Capital up to 2030, with a visionary perspective extending to 2045. The Party Committee, the government, and the citizens of the Capital have undertaken a swift and earnest study of the Resolution, fully comprehending its implications, and have embarked on its diligent implementation. To underscore their commitment to action, the City Party Committee issued Action Programme No 16-CTr/TU on August 26, 2022, providing a clear roadmap for translating the Resolution into tangible projects and initiatives.

Over the past year, Resolution 15 from the Politburo has served as a potent catalyst for driving the capital's development forward. Hà Nội has redoubled its efforts in urban planning and institutional development, with the explicit goal of realising the vision set forth in the resolution to become a civilised and modern city.

Specifically, Hà Nội has undertaken a comprehensive revision of its General Planning for the Construction of the Hà Nội Capital until 2045, with an outlook to 2065. The city's focus has centred on guiding the development of two satellite cities directly adjacent to the Capital, envisioned as new growth poles. These cities, located to the north of the Hồng (Red) River (Mê Linh, Sóc Sơn, Đông Anh) and in the western areas of Hà Nội (Hòa Lạc - Xuân Mai), will play a vital role in distributing population density away from the inner-city regions. Furthermore, the city has identified five developmental axes, with the Hồng River serving as a green axis, and has emphasised cultural sub-regional elements in its Hà Nội Capital Planning for the period 2021-2030, extending its vision to 2050. This approach reflects the city's commitment to preserving the rich diversity and historical convergence of a millennium-old civilisation.

Regarding the Capital Law Project (amended), significant preparation efforts have been made by the Government, the City of Hà Nội, and various ministries, with special attention given to the Ministry of Justice, the entity responsible for drafting the legislation. These collaborative efforts have culminated in the completion of a comprehensive dossier, submitted for the first time to the National Assembly Standing Committee for review on September 20.

The paramount objective underlying the amended Capital Law is to bring about practical value, primarily through decentralisation and the delegation of authority to Hà Nội. This entails the removal of bottlenecks and obstacles, igniting fresh impetus for both the Capital and the nation as a whole to forge ahead. For instance, empowering the Capital with the authority to make decisions on matters such as public investment, public-private partnerships (PPP), and the undertaking of large-scale bridge projects like the Trần Hưng Đạo Bridge and Tứ Liên Bridge, each with an investment exceeding VNĐ10 trillion (part of the group of national key projects), as well as inter-provincial bridges funded by the central budget, including the Ngọc Hồi Bridge and Vạn Phúc Bridge. Moreover, the Capital requires a mechanism for coordinating the implementation of all ten urban railway lines outlined in Hà Nội’s urban planning.

This mechanism would facilitate the acquisition of a single Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan package, enabling a synchronised and efficient execution while ensuring technical competence and adherence to timelines. Furthermore, the Capital would benefit from mechanisms to relocate hospitals and schools from the inner city, including provisions for land clearance and investment in new facilities, a departure from the current practice where schools and hospitals are responsible for their own accommodation.

Establishing a New Cultural Paradigm

Deeply embracing the guiding principles set forth by the 13th National Party Congress, the Party Committee, government, and the people of the Capital have forged a close-knit and harmonious approach to task deployment. Their focus remains firmly rooted in ensuring that socio-economic development takes centre stage, with an unwavering commitment to strengthening the Party, nurturing cultural development, and safeguarding the spiritual bedrock. Furthermore, the unrelenting emphasis on national defence and security stands as a cornerstone of their ongoing efforts.

Hà Nội stands as one of the world's rare capitals, boasting a cultural legacy steeped in history spanning over a millennium, earning its moniker as a "Heritage City". In line with the spirit of Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng's concluding remarks at the National Cultural Conference on November 24, 2021, the Hà Nội City Party Committee has issued a thematic Resolution, focusing on the development of the cultural industry from 2021 to 2025, with a visionary outlook extending to 2045.

The city has strategically identified three priority sectors for investment in the period from 2022 to 2025 and beyond: healthcare, education, and culture. A substantial capital commitment exceeding VNĐ90 trillion underscores this dedication. Of this amount, over VNĐ14 trillion has been allocated to the preservation and restoration of 579 deteriorating and severely degraded relics. Simultaneously, the city is diligently advancing several pivotal projects, including the reconstruction of Kính Thiên Palace, the construction of a temple in honour of King Ngô Quyền, and the initiation of preservation and development plans for Đường Lâm ancient village, and the Sơn Tây ancient citadel.

A noteworthy policy and a groundbreaking venture in infrastructure development is Hà Nội’s proactive proposal, which garnered approval from the Central Government and the National Assembly, to execute the investment project for the construction of Ring Road 4, with an estimated investment exceeding a billion dollars. On June 25, Hà Nội embarked on this ambitious undertaking, having cleared nearly 90 per cent of the designated area and currently advancing on 14 construction sites. Upon completion, this road network will not only serve as an impetus for Hà Nội’s development but will also eliminate regional connectivity challenges, catalysing growth in neighbouring provinces and fortifying the nation as a whole.

Additionally, Hà Nội has charted a course for numerous landmark solutions to address pressing issues and meet the aspirations of its populace. These initiatives encompass the Public Asset Management Project, the rectification of 712 off-budget capital projects reliant on land, which have faced delays and sluggish implementation, intensified decentralisation and authorisation, and a comprehensive plan to revitalise aging apartment buildings.

In the steadfast pursuit of socio-economic progress and the safeguarding of national defence and security, the city has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to continually enhance social security and protection. This is carried out in the spirit of inclusivity, leaving no one behind, and with a resolute aspiration to significantly reduce the number of impoverished households by the close of 2025.

Taking the Courageous Leap of Thought and Action

In the times ahead, the tasks and objectives entrusted to the Party Committee, government, and the people of the Capital are formidable, given the persistent and substantial difficulties and challenges anticipated. The city must summon determination to accomplish several pivotal targets and tasks outlined in the socio-economic development plan and state budget for 2023 and the subsequent years.

To achieve these goals, we must continue to revolutionise the Party's leadership approach in conjunction with the city's political framework. This entails leading by example, staying closely connected with the people, following their lead, and effectively embodying the principle that "the people are the centre".

The cultivation of a transparent, streamlined Party, and a city's political system characterised by efficiency is paramount. At all levels and across all sectors, the theme of "Discipline, responsibility, action, creativity, development" must be conscientiously implemented. Of particular importance is our proactive adherence to Directive No 24-CT/TU, issued on August 7, 2023, by the City Party Committee's Standing Committee, aimed at fortifying order, discipline, and accountability within the city's political apparatus.

This directive serves as a cornerstone in redefining our outlook and understanding of public service responsibilities, as well as the ethos of serving the people. It is crucial to completely eradicate any tendencies of evasion, avoidance, or reluctance to shoulder responsibility. Furthermore, this directive calls upon each cadre, civil servant, and employee, particularly our party members and leaders, to step forward boldly, taking on the challenges with courage, innovation, and a strong sense of responsibility.

In 2024, we shall reverently celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Capital's Liberation Day, a momentous milestone signifying Hà Nội’s remarkable journey from arduous struggles and triumphant songs to the radiant glory of innovation, integration, construction, and development. It is our collective duty to diligently strive from this very moment, achieving numerous milestones that will adorn this commemoration. The realisation of our goals, targets, resolutions, programmes, and plans, all leading to enhanced well-being for our communities and constituents, shall stand as a most meaningful and heartfelt gift of welcome. VNS