The government has decided to grant Hanoi the authority to select 2-3 new urban areas under its jurisdiction for a pilot project for smart city development.

The design of the smart city project in Dong Anh District, Hanoi.

In the latest announcement from the Government Office following the previous meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Hanoi’s leaders, the Prime Minister has assigned the Ministry of Construction to lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, including Information and Communications, Natural Resources and Environment, Finance, Planning and Investment, and other related agencies to review Hanoi's proposals for the project.

These proposals should comply with legal requirements and be reported to the Prime Minister by September 2024, noted the directive.

The Ministry of Construction will also guide the city on standards and criteria for defining a smart city. At the same time, the Ministry of Planning and Investment will provide guidance on investment mechanisms.

Regarding the development of the Red River axis as a major spatial axis for the capital to become a "new symbol of development," the Prime Minister has instructed the Hanoi People’s Committee to effectively manage and utilize land on both sides of the river according to approved planning and legal regulations.

The Prime Minister also tasked the Ministry of Construction with leading a review, in coordination with relevant agencies, to seek approval for immediate implementation of investment programs for the northern areas of Dong Anh, Me Linh, Soc Son, and the western areas of Hoa Lac, Xuan Mai, without the need for a special urban classification proposal.

The announcement also emphasized that Hanoi’s People’s Committee should promptly finalize the adjusted master plan for Hanoi until 2045, with a vision to 2065, and submit it to the Ministry of Construction for assessment and reporting to the Prime Minister by September 2024.

The Government also stressed the importance of continuing to promote growth, stabilize the macroeconomy, control inflation, and ensure major economic balances by boosting traditional growth drivers (investment, exports, consumption) and new ones (digital economy, green economy, circular economy, sharing economy, knowledge economy, night economy).

Hanoi is advised to address institutional, procedural, and policy issues, and to improve bureaucratic efficiency and digital transformation to support businesses and residents, aiming to be among the top 5-10 regions in administrative reform.

Another key matter is accelerating investment in public infrastructure, especially critical projects such as the Ring Road 4 - Capital Region, which must be completed by 2026.

The government emphasized the need for political engagement to expedite land clearance and project completion. Hanoi is encouraged to take the lead in entrepreneurship and innovation and to apply advancements from the Fourth Industrial Revolution while focusing on smart city development. Urban infrastructure issues related to transportation, education, healthcare, environment, and social aspects should be progressively addressed.

Social welfare, equity, and access to essential services are priorities, ensuring that there are no shortages of medical supplies or personnel and effectively preparing for the new school year. Efforts should also be made on wage reform coupled with price control, maintaining essential goods supplies, and environmental protection to make the capital increasingly green, clean, and beautiful.