Ha noi eyes fresh growth prospects under new capital master plan

A city of heritage and resilience

Since King Ly Thai To (974–1028) proclaimed the Edict on the Transfer of the Capital in 1010, Ha Noi—then known as Thang Long—has witnessed countless ups and downs.

Generations of Hanoians have carried forward the spirit of their predecessors—standing firm in defense, working diligently, and building a rich cultural legacy marked by enduring achievements.

Covering nearly 3,400 square kilometers and home to almost 9 million residents, Ha Noi is Viet Nam's second most populous centrally governed city. It has affirmed its role as the nation's political, administrative, and urban center, leading in multiple social and economic domains.

Immediately after the liberation of the capital from French colonial rule, the city's Party Committee and administration guided residents in recovery and reconstruction. During the resistance war against the U.S., Ha Noi served as a major economic hub of the socialist North, supporting the frontlines with the motto "Not a grain of rice, not a soldier short."

Following national reunification in 1975, Ha Noi transformed into a vast "construction site," advancing economic, cultural, and social development while improving living standards. Particularly since the launch of the Party's Doi Moi (Renewal) policy, the city has pursued innovative socio-economic strategies, revamped management mechanisms, and fostered a socialist-oriented, multi-sector market economy under state guidance.

Strong performance and contributions

Over the years, Ha Noi has maintained robust growth and made significant contributions to the national economy. Though accounting for only 1 percent of the country's area and 8.5 percent of its population, the capital contributes 16 percent of national GDP, 18.5 percent of budget revenue, 20 percent of domestic revenue, and 8.6 percent of total import–export turnover.

In 2023, the city's GRDP grew by 6.27 percent, 1.24 times the national average. It is also among the top five localities in FDI attraction, with over US$2.94 billion in 2023—up 70.5 percent year-on-year.

Significant progress has also been recorded in the new-style rural area program. All 18 districts and townships have met the new-style rural standards, with 382 communes certified; 186 communes recognized as advanced, and 68 as model new-style rural areas.

Modern infrastructure and cultural vitality

Ha Noi continues to invest in both economic and socio-cultural development, with a strong emphasis on culture. The city has preserved and restored over 5,000 historical sites, while its education sector remains a national leader.

Major infrastructure projects, such as the Ring Road No. 4 – Capital Region, are being accelerated to enhance connectivity with neighboring provinces and cities. The urban landscape is also being reshaped through the construction of numerous modern, well-planned urban areas, contributing to a more civilized and livable capital.

Ha Noi is also promoting the upgrading of Dong Anh, Gia Lam, Thanh Tri, Hoai Duc, and Dan Phuong districts to city-level status, advancing urban expansion to the north, and investing in comprehensive infrastructure with the goal of becoming a smart city in the near future.

"Golden opportunities" for a new era of growth

Under the new development vision, Ha Noi aims for its GRDP growth to surpass the national average during 2021–2025 and expand by 8–8.5 percent annually from 2026 to 2030. The city targets per capita GRDP of US$12,000–13,000 by 2030, and over US$36,000 by 2045.

Recognizing this as a crucial political task within the national development and defense strategy, Ha Noi has launched multiple implementation programs, including the amended Capital Law, the Capital Master Plan with a vision toward 2050, and the adjusted Master Plan to 2045 with a vision toward 2065.

The amended Capital Law, adopted by the National Assembly and set to take effect on January 1, 2025, introduces special mechanisms and policies to accelerate Ha Noi's breakthrough development—fostering sustainable growth not only for the capital but also for the Red River Delta, the northern key economic region, and the nation as a whole.

Deputy Director of the Ha Noi Department of Justice Nguyen Cong Anh described the adoption of the 2024 Capital Law as a shared joy for both authorities and residents, expressing confidence that it will inspire meaningful change and fulfill national expectations for a capital that develops in line with its vast potential.

The two major planning projects, approved by both the National Assembly and the Politburo, will play a pivotal role in shaping the city's spatial layout, urban management, investment environment, and development direction in the coming decades.

Unlike many other planning frameworks, Ha Noi's master plan places strong emphasis on cultural and heritage preservation. As Viet Nam's cultural epicenter, the capital aims to lead in research, creativity, education, and innovation, while promoting science and technology as key growth drivers.

Though challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, with well-defined strategies and the strong support and trust of the Party, the Politburo, and people nationwide, Ha Noi is poised to confidently redefine its urban identity and advance toward a new era of prosperity./.