Hà Nội Party Committee Secretary Bùi Thị Minh Hoài, Chairman of the Hà Nội People's Council Nguyễn Ngọc Tuấn, and other city leaders present the certificate recognising Thường Tín District as meeting advanced new rural development standards. — Photos courtesy of the Coordination Office of the New-Style Rural Development Programme in Hà Nội

HÀ NỘI — Thường Tín District in Hanoi has officially been recognised as meeting the standards for an advanced new rural area in 2024, marking a major milestone in its socio-economic transformation over the past decade. A formal ceremony to announce and celebrate the achievement was held on June 28, with the participation of central and municipal leaders.

Thường Tín began its rural development journey in 2010 from a low starting point. The district's socio-economic infrastructure was underdeveloped and inconsistent, and local residents faced numerous challenges. At the time, the average income per capita was just VNĐ13.5 million (US$510) per year, while the poverty rate stood at 12.5 per cent.

That same year, after the Prime Minister approved the National Target Programme on New Rural Development (2010–2020), Hanoi selected Nhị Khê Commune in Thường Tín as one of the city’s pilot communes. Throughout the implementation, city authorities consistently prioritised the district, directing resources to support rural modernisation.

Thanks to the advanced new rural development programme, Thường Tín District has seen significant improvements in rural socio-economic infrastructure.

After being officially recognised as a new rural district in 2020, Thường Tín set its sights on higher standards. Just four years later, thanks to tireless efforts by local authorities and residents, the district has now been acknowledged as an advanced new rural area, with several standout achievements.

Reporting at the ceremony, Nguyễn Xuân Minh, Chairman of the Thường Tín People’s Committee, noted that the district spans over 13,012 hectares and is home to more than 273,000 people across 29 commune-level administrative units.

Chicken farming under a modern, large-scale model located away from residential areas and in partnership with businesses has brought high economic returns to farmers in Duyên Thái Commune — a model new rural area in Thường Tín District.

Significant progress has been made in socio-economic infrastructure. All 162 villages in the district now have cultural houses, and the district’s cultural centre has received comprehensive investment. Arts, sports, and community activities have flourished.

Healthcare services have improved notably. By the end of 2024, the district had 19.4 hospital beds per 10,000 residents — up 7.4 beds compared to 2020. The doctor-to-population ratio reached 8.3 doctors per 10,000 people, and health insurance coverage rose to 95.1 per cent, an increase of 5.5 percentage points from 2020 and 47.4 points from 2010.

The district also boasts 78 nationally accredited schools and has successfully eliminated poverty.

Leveraging local strengths, Hồng Vân Commune — designated as a model new rural are a— has shifted from traditional farming to agricultural production combined with eco-tourism and craft village experiences.

Economically, Thường Tín has shifted its focus towards industry, handicrafts, and services. In 2024, total state budget revenue reached over VNĐ1.468 trillion ($55.9 million) — 119.21 per cent of the city-assigned target and up more than 50 per cent from 2020. Average income reached VNĐ76.49 million ($2,900) per person, 5.67 times higher than in 2011.

From 2010 to 2024, the district attracted over VNĐ10.2 trillion ($388.6 million) in investment, with more than half coming from the district’s own budget. Seventeen out of 28 communes have achieved advanced new rural standards, three communes have been recognised as model rural areas, and the district town has been named a “civilised urban area.”

According to a survey conducted by the Hanoi Fatherland Front and the Thường Tín Fatherland Front, 99.92 per cent of residents expressed satisfaction with the benefits of the rural development programme. On June 17, 2025, the Government issued a formal decision recognising Thường Tín as meeting advanced new rural district standards for 2024.

Schools and healthcare facilities across Thường Tín District have been built to meet the advanced new rural development standards, providing modern and spacious learning and treatment environments.

Nguyễn Xuân Đại, Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment and Chief of the Coordination Office for the New Rural Development Programme, stated that this recognition is not only a technical achievement but also reflects deeper changes in public awareness, quality of life, and sustainable development. He emphasised that the results affirm the effectiveness of the national programme when implemented with strong political will and public consensus.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyễn Ngọc Tuấn, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Council, on behalf of the municipal Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee, and Fatherland Front, commended the Party organisation, authorities, and people of Thường Tín District for their achievements — especially in the field of new rural development.

He noted that both the capital and the country are entering a new development phase, guided by the Party and State’s vision of rapid and sustainable progress in the modern era. He called on the Party Committee, authorities, Fatherland Front, and political and social organisations of Thường Tín — particularly the upcoming communes of Thường Tín, Thượng Phúc, Chương Dương, and Hồng Vân — to continue fostering unity, responsibility, and innovation to unlock local potential and drive future growth.

The new look of Thường Tín District as it achieves advanced new rural development status.

Also at the event, senior leaders including Bùi Thị Minh Hoài, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee; Nguyễn Ngọc Tuấn, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Council; Phạm Thị Thanh Mai, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Council; and Nguyễn Mạnh Quyền, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, presented the official certificate recognising Thường Tín’s new status and extended congratulations to the district's Party Committee, authorities, and residents.

Nine collectives and 23 individuals were honoured by the State President, Prime Minister, and the Hanoi People’s Committee for their outstanding contributions to the programme. Nguyễn Tiến Minh, Secretary of the Thường Tín District Party Committee, was awarded the Second-class Labour Order by the President.

Among the other awardees, the Party Committee, authorities, and people of Duyên Thái Commune received the First-class Labour Order, while the District Party Committee’s Inspection Commission and the District Department of Home Affairs were presented with the Third-class Labour Order.

The article is published under the coordination of the Coordination Office of the New-Style Rural Development Programme in Hà Nội. — VNS