Ha Noi Party Congress to define roadmap toward 2045 global city vision

According to draft congress documents, Ha Noi targets to become by 2030 a modern, civilized capital steeped in its time-honored cultural heritage—a green, smart, and globally integrated city distinguished by cultural vitality, strong competitiveness, and development levels comparable to those of regional developed-country capitals.

Looking ahead to 2045, the city envisions itself as a globally connected metropolis with high living standards and per capita GRDP surpassing 36,000 USD.

Nguyen Van Phong, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Ha Noi Party Committee, highlighted that the upcoming congress holds special significance for the capital's growth in a new historic phase for both the city and the nation.

Phong noted that Ha Noi benefits from a series of important policy frameworks, including the Politburo's Resolution No. 15-NQ/TW on orientations and tasks for the capital's development to 2030, with a vision to 2045. The recently revised Capital Law provides a stronger institutional foundation, while the Government's approval of the capital's master plan to 2030 (with visions to 2050 and 2065) further reinforces its development trajectory.

With central authorities working to remove policy bottlenecks and mobilize resources, Ha Noi has become increasingly aware of its intrinsic growth drivers—particularly human and intellectual capital.

During the drafting process, the municipal Party Committee compared the city's development data with those of other Asian capitals to gauge progress and competitiveness. Notably, for the first time, the city will adopt new indicators such as a "happiness index" to better measure quality of life.

Guided by the theme "Solidarity – Democracy – Discipline – Breakthroughs – Development", the 18th Ha Noi Party Congress is expected to make strategic, forward-looking decisions that will guide the Party organization, administration, and residents in unlocking the city's full potential—advancing toward a prosperous, happy, civilized, and modern capital.

Sustained growth amid global challenges

Over the past five years, despite global uncertainties and the heavy toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Party organization, administration, and people of Ha Noi have maintained unity and determination, overcoming difficulties to achieve the goals set by the 17th Party Congress resolution.

The city has met or exceeded most socio-economic targets, with four accomplished one to two years ahead of schedule. Its economy grew at an average annual rate of 6.57 percent—1.1 times higher than the national pace. Ha Noi's GRDP is expected to hit US$63 billion in 2025, equivalent to around US$7,200 per capita.

Despite global economic headwinds, Ha Noi remains one of Viet Nam's top destinations for foreign direct investment. Since 1986, it has drawn cumulative FDI of US$61.5 billion across 7,710 valid projects, ranking second nationwide.

Le Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Finance, attributed investor confidence to Ha Noi's improved business climate, transparency, sustainability potential, and competitive incentives. The capital has also led nationwide efforts in streamlining its administrative system, piloting an urban government model, and carrying out the largest-ever consolidation of commune-level administrative units.

Social welfare and human development have made significant strides. The city's Human Development Index (HDI) reached 0.829 in 2024—the highest in Viet Nam. Ha Noi has also eradicated household poverty under multidimensional criteria and eliminated substandard housing, while ensuring political stability, social order, and growing prestige as the nation's political, economic, and cultural center./.