The elevated section of the Nhổn-Hà Nội Railway Station metro line is set to be put into commercial operation in 2023. VNA/VNS Photo

In a recent interview with Vietnam News Agency about Hà Nội’s plans for 2023, Secretary of the Hà Nội Party Committee Đinh Tiến Dũng said the city will make efforts to accelerate the pace of key transport projects, hoping to put the elevated section of the Nhổn-Hà Nội Railway Station metro line into commercial operation this year. 

Could you tell us the economic landscape of Hà Nội in 2022?

In 2022, Hà Nội encountered a number of challenges, both external and internal, however we can be proud of the achievements we have made.

All 22 socio-economic indicators have been met or surpassed. Among them, five indicators surpassed the target are GRDP, GRDP per capita, disbursed investment capital growth, export turnover growth and the poverty household reduction rate. The capital posted estimated GDP growth of 8.8 per cent, higher than the overall rate of the whole country.

An aerial view of the pedestrian area by Hoàn Kiếm Lake. VNA/VNS Photo

Planning and construction work of key structures have received great attention and interest from the public. Could you elaborate on these?

There has been positive progress in planning urban management and development. The construction planning pace has been accelerated with much important planning approved in 2022.

The pace of key traffic projects has also been pushed. They include the elevated road from Vĩnh Tuy Bridge to Ngã Tư Sở Street area, which will be open soon, and the Vĩnh Tuy 2 project which is almost complete. Others include the Nhổn-Hà Nội Railway Station metro project and the Belt Road Nor 4, which have been approved by the National Assembly. The city is making every effort to accelerate the pace of the latter, which will pass through Hà Nội, and Hưng Yên and Bắc Ninh provinces. It is expected to be constructed in 2023 and open for traffic in 2027.

The workload and challenges are huge. What are the plans for these?

Despite the achievements gained, there are a lot of challenges ahead. There are still limitations in attracting private investment in such sectors as agriculture, high-tech industry, and supporting industry.

Traffic congestion and inundation still happen and there are limitations in collecting and handling solid waste, water waste, especially in some traditional craft villages. Besides, violations related to construction on land designated for agriculture or forestry purposes still happen, causing public disappointment. There are still problems with the slow progress of construction in key projects, disbursement of capital, effectiveness of firefighting work, slow administrative reform.

Could you please tell us about the plan to develop Hà Nội’s outskirt areas in the future?

There will be two cities in the capital Hà Nội: Northern Red River City (comprising of Mê Linh, Sóc Sơn and Đông Anh districts), Western Hà Nội City (including Hoà Lạc and Xuân Mai). The city also needs to pay attention to districts in southern areas or areas far from Hà Nội including Phú Xuyên, Ứng Hoà, Mỹ Đức and Ba Vì, which are still limited in socio-economic development.

What are the plans for 2023?

Major tasks for 2023 include strong reform of the investment environment, especially in fields including planning, construction and land, and strengthening start-up. Localities in the city should push economic restructuring, and develop the industry based on technology and improve the competitiveness of traditional craft villages.

The city will also implement measures to develop commerce and services industries, accelerate export, promote tourism, among many others.

It is expected that the city will have GRDP growth of at least 7 per cent and a private investment growth rate of 10.5 to 11 per cent and export turnover growth of 7.5 to 8 per cent in 2023.

This year Hà Nội will propose to Prime Minister the Hà Nội Capital Planning for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050.

It will also make efforts to reduce traffic congestion and accidents, and continue to accelerate the pace of infrastructure projects especially putting the elevated section of the Nhổn-Hà Nội Railway Station metro line into commercial operation.

It also strives to complete land clearance and start construction for the Belt Road No 4 project. VNS