Party chief meets with local voters ahead of 15th NA’s 10th session

General Secretary To briefed voters on recent national developments. He noted that grassroots- and intermediate-level Party congresses had been completed, while congresses of Party organizations under the Party Central Committee are underway and expected to finish in October. Preparations for the 14th National Party Congress are being urgently advanced.

He reaffirmed the Party's consistent determination to combat corruption and negative practices with "no forbidden zones," combining preventive measures with strict punishment. Despite challenges, he said, socio-economic development and people's living standards have seen comprehensive progress, laying the foundation for the country to target double-digit growth in the coming period.

Regarding the two-tier local government model, the Party chief stressed the need to allocate sufficient resources and prevent overloads at commune- and ward-level administrations. He stressed that social security, health care, and education remain consistent priorities, while salary and social allowance reforms are being carefully studied for gradual, effective implementation.

On land and planning, he underlined that city's development planning must match its role as a regional and global city.

General Secretary To also affirmed that all opinions raised would be compiled and addressed by competent authorities, and called on voters to continue contributing feedback to advance national development and build a prosperous, modern capital.

On this occasion, voters proposed further administrative reforms and more investment in rural infrastructure, particularly the upgrading of degraded inter-commune roads that hinder the transportation of farm produce. Other recommendations included clearer classification of land-use conversion, fair land valuation and compensation mechanisms, and stronger support for people subject to land recovery to ensure harmony between urban expansion and sustainable agriculture.

Appreciating Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW on public health, they urged the adoption of concrete laws and policies to strengthen grassroots health care, consolidate preventive medicine, enhance epidemic preparedness, and ensure equal access to essential services. They also raised concerns about staff shortages and overcrowding at central-level hospitals.

Earlier, on September 23, the Party leader also met with voters from other 11 wards of the capital to share the proposed agenda for the upcoming 10th session of the 15th National Assembly and to gather public opinions and suggestions.

Redefining approach to development

During a working session with the Ha Noi Party Committee's Standing Committee on June 16, the Party chief urged to city to redefine its approach to development, reframing satellite cities such as Son Tay, Hoa Lac, Xuan Mai, and Phu Xuyen as new growth engines.

He told the city leaders to ensure that the capital continues to play a leading role in the country's new development phase.

"Ha Noi must restructure its growth space toward openness, multi-centered urbanization, and regional integration," To said.

He pointed out that the traditional inward-focused model has led to overloaded infrastructure and a declining quality of life in the inner city.

"Ha Noi should develop satellite cities into regional centers of economy, culture, and technology that offer strong governance and high-quality job opportunities," said Lam.

He also suggested that Ha Hoi develop a more diverse and interconnected infrastructure system that encompasses urban railways, smart logistics, regional economic corridors, and digital networks.

In addition, the capital must transform rural areas from passive urban support zones into a "smart green belt" featuring high-tech agriculture, ecological preservation, rural heritage, and new circular economy and experiential tourism models, he said.

"This green space should serve not only as the city's ecological lungs, but also as a cradle for spirit and identity in a modern capital," said To.

The General Secretary also emphasized the importance of shifting Ha Noi's economic growth to be driven by knowledge, technology, and innovation. Creative industries, fintech, smart logistics, high-quality healthcare and education, and experiential tourism will be the future pillars of Ha Noi's growth.

Lam also encouraged the city to develop its nighttime economy and adopt green and circular development models and creative urban zones while attracting domestic and international talent.

"This is the moment for Ha Noi to look beyond national borders, learn from global cities, and develop its own distinctive identity," said Lam. "The capital must not only lead Viet Nam, but also become a pioneering and attractive city in Asia."

To achieve this, he called on Ha Noi to leverage its dense network of universities, research institutes, and dynamic businesses to build a world-class innovation hub connecting academia, technology, and venture capital.

He also stressed the need to remove regulatory barriers for the private sector and transition to a government-business relationship model of "partnership, co-creation, and shared responsibility."

To set an ambitious goal for Ha Noi: to rise into the ranks of the leading Asian capitals and compete with cities such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Seoul.

Regarding governance reform, he said that Ha Noi's two-tier local government must be lean, transparent, and efficient. Its administrative structure must ensure coherence, reduce intermediate layers, and encourage innovation.

Streamlining the apparatus must preserve political unity and social stability while strengthening national defense and security, he finalized.

Highlighting the importance of assigning the right person to the right position, the General Secretary said, "Appointments must be based on integrity, competence, reputation, and performance. A wrong choice can be very costly."

He wanted Ha Noi to take bold regulatory reform steps, especially with regard to the revised Capital Law, which serves as a legal and political foundation for breakthrough development.

"Rather than waiting for central guidelines, Ha Noi should proactively propose special mechanisms for decentralization, budgeting, land use, and planning," he added.

He said that Ha Noi should proactively propose special mechanisms for decentralization, budgeting, land use, and planning instead of waiting for central guidelines. "The city should pilot flexible land use, performance-based budgeting, and public-private innovation partnerships"./.