Hanoi will speed up the adjustment of the capital's general planning with a focus on satellite towns, according to Pham Quoc Tuyen, Deputy Director of the city's Department of Planning and Architecture.

"As part of the overall planning, Hanoi has set itself the goal of achieving sustainable, creative, and inclusive development and becoming a growth pole that can drive development in the northern region. Green development and a circular economy will be at the center of achieving the net-zero emission target," Tuyen said.

Hanoi has also identified a target for the digital sector to contribute 40% of the city's GDP. Culture and heritage, digital transformation and circular economy, unified and modern infrastructure, digital society, digital economy, and smart urban regions will all play a role in shaping the city's future.

Commenting on the key tasks in 2024, Tuyen said the Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture will strongly focus on accelerating the progress of the overall adjustment of the capital's General Planning, ensuring that its strengths are promoted for sustainable socio-economic development.

He noted that the department will focus on accelerating the progress of urban beautification and reconstruction, such as the renovation of old residential buildings, detailed planning of functional space areas, and key infrastructure in the city (parks, flower gardens, cultural and public works).

"Major investments should be made in underground transport to reduce traffic congestion," the deputy director added.

Speaking at a conference in Hanoi earlier this month, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said that the general planning of the capital for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, is expected to serve as a development engine not only for the capital area but also for the Red River Delta.

"Although the general planning was prepared in a very short time of 12 months, it was carried out meticulously and in accordance with the legal regulation on planning work. Hanoi held consultations with 21 ministries and central agencies, 15 cities and provinces in the region, experts, scientists, individuals and organizations," Dung said.

The minister urged experts and scholars to make further planning recommendations so that the general plan can be reviewed and approved as soon as possible per existing laws.