Hanoi should accelerate the implementation of the Red River and Duong River zoning plans to ensure the city’s long-term growth, focusing on building cities on both sides of the Red River. 

Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue at the session. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue made the remarks at the 12th session of the Hanoi People’s Council held today [July 3].

"In particular, it is imperative to implement the Red River Zoning Plan, which will significantly transform Hanoi's landscape. This will serve as a driving force for substantial progress in the capital's development, including the construction of key bridges such as Tu Lien and Tran Hung Dao over the Red River," Hue said.

While acknowledging Hanoi's achievements in socio-economic development, the National Assembly Chairman stressed the need for the city to avoid complacency. He stressed the importance of taking bold and innovative steps and solutions, not only compared to the national average but also to other leading regions in the country and internationally.

Hue expressed his hope that by 2030, Hanoi will become the hub and catalyst for the development of the Red River Delta, the key economic region in the North, and the entire country. He also envisioned Hanoi by 2045 as a globally connected city with a high standard of living and quality of life, deeply integrated into the international community and highly competitive in the region and the world.

The Chairman of the National Assembly also recommended that Hanoi effectively organize confidence votes for elected officials in the near future. He stressed the importance of conducting a fair and rigorous evaluation of officials' performance, reputation, and the fulfillment of responsibilities and duties.

The NA Chairman and leaders of Hanoi.

Total State budget revenue in the region is estimated to exceed VND220 trillion (US$9.3 billion), reaching 62.4% of the target, an increase of 22.9% over the same period last year.

The index of industrial production (IIP) recorded a growth of 2.3% during this period, while the total retail sales of consumer goods and services reached about VND369 trillion (US$15.6 billion), up 10.4% year-on-year. The number of tourists visiting Hanoi increased by 2.5 times compared to last year.

Regarding urban development planning and management, the Hanoi Party chief outlined the city's priorities to finalize the Hanoi Capital Planning for 2021-2030, with a vision up to 2050.

The city is also adjusting the master plan for Hanoi's construction until 2030, with a long-term vision until 2050.

Dung noted that the city had completed several detailed plans for old residential blocks and is actively implementing projects to renovate these buildings. "There is also a strong focus on investing in technical infrastructure and accelerating the progress of key projects such as the Ring Road No.4, as well as initiatives in education, healthcare, and restoration of cultural heritage sites."

Hanoi unveiled the Red River and Duong River zoning plans in April 2022, covering a vast area of nearly 11,000 hectares. The Red River Urban Plan covers a 40-kilometer stretch from the Hong Ha Bridge to the Me So Bridge, with the administrative boundaries of several districts, including Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, Bac Tu Liem, Hai Ba Trung, Hoang Mai, Long Bien, Dan Phuong, Me Linh, Dong Anh, Gia Lam, Thuong Tin, and Thanh Tri.

The plan aims to achieve harmonious development on both sides of the Red River, using the river as a central axis.

Red River from above.

To facilitate transportation and connectivity, six new bridges will be built across the Red River. These include the Hong Ha and Me So bridges on Ring Road No.4, with six express lanes and two mixed lanes; the Thuong Cat and Ngoc Hoi bridges on Ring Road No.3.5, with six motorized lanes and two mixed lanes; the Tu Lien Bridge, connecting the urban trunk roads along the Red River, with six motorized lanes and two mixed lanes; and the Tran Hung Dao Bridge, connecting Tran Hung Dao Street to the Long Bien District area, with six motorized lanes and two mixed lanes.

In addition, the city has started the second phase of the Vinh Tuy Bridge and is exploring ways to expand and improve the Thang Long Bridge and the Bac Cau Bridge over the Duong River along the city's main road along the Red River.

The upcoming 12th session of the Hanoi People's Council, which is scheduled to take place over four days, will discuss key goals of Hanoi's socio-economic development plan for 2023 and beyond.

Notable items on the agenda include discussions on the city's spatial and infrastructure development orientation, the adjustment project for the Hanoi Capital Master Plan to 2045 with a vision for 2065, the establishment plan for Dong Anh Urban District, and policies on education and training, healthcare, culture, and sports.

During the meeting, there will also be a question-and-answer session covering topics such as the implementation of the city's previous commitments and promises, administrative reform, and electronic and digital transformation of government agencies in the city.