Under the plan, from November 1 to 30, the relevant agencies will guide people through the process of activating accounts and using utilities on the digital capital's citizen application platform.

The move is meant to encourage Hanoi's government, businesses and citizens to actively engage online in the digital world.

It also aims to encourage Party members, state employees and civil servants to set an example by installing, activating and using the iHanoi app to complete the task of responding to suggestions and feedback from individuals and organizations in the capital.

Employees of a company in Hanoi download the iHanoi app. Photos: Laodongthudo Newspaper

The plan will be carried out from November 1 to 30 and calls for the active engagement of officials, workers, officers and soldiers of the armed forces, departments, sectors, People's Committees at all levels, people, enterprises and organizations in Hanoi.

The plan will communicate the value and benefits of iHanoi in enhancing online interaction in the digital environment between citizens, businesses and government at all levels; and guide residents to install, activate and use the application's features.

The community digital transformation teams will work with local law enforcement and youth groups to run communication campaigns that spread relevant information and guide locals to download the app.

Local government agencies are tasked with integrating iHanoi with sector applications and utilities (if any).

The municipal Department of Information and Communication is requested to ensure the information safety and security of the app within the scope of its authorized responsibilities and duties.

Hanoi’s media will focus on covering the application. LED screens at intersections, offices, residential areas, apartment buildings, shopping centers, supermarkets, and others will display iHanoi promotional content.

The Military Industry and Telecommunications Group (Viettel), the developer of the app, is responsible for ensuring the uninterrupted and effective operation and security of the app. The developer will continue to refine the app and add new functions, such as conducting surveys, collecting voters' opinions, finding and booking parking spaces, finding bus routes, and paying electricity bills.

The application was launched on June 28 as part of the plan to develop applications on population data, identification and e-authentication, in line with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's directives for Hanoi's digital transformation.

It aims to increase transparency and participation of citizens and businesses, thereby strengthening public trust in local government.

One of the key features of iHanoi is the integration of the city's major tourist attractions and historical and cultural sites. It is designed to help residents explore the city's iconic scenery and cuisine at the touch of a button.

By selecting "Tourism", a "Tourist Map" is displayed on the smartphone screen along with the user's real-time location on the map, where users can choose to explore scenic spots, historical sites, spiritual tourism, check-in locations, parks, museums, entertainment areas, cuisine, accommodation and others.

On July 9, Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Tran Sy Thanh called on all citizens to register an account on the iHanoi app. "The capital is striving to become a leading place for digital government, economy, society and citizens to build a modern capital," the mayor said.

Over half a million Hanoi residents have downloaded iHanoi in just one month since its launch, according to a report from the Office of the Hanoi People's Committee.

Almost half of the 120,000 officials and civil servants in the city's administrative machinery are iHanoi users after a short period of deployment. According to the report, this is a positive step towards modernizing government management and raising the standard of public services in the city.

Through iHanoi, some 3,300 opinions and petitions from local residents have been sent to the city's authorities, requesting improvements in the city's transportation, environment, healthcare, tourism, and other areas.

The app has also received high praise on social media, ranking in the top seven in the Apple App Store and the top 12 in the Android Playstore, the report added.

After three months, iHaNoi has over 1.1 million citizen accounts, and more than 9 million people have accessed the application. It has received about 12,000 feedbacks and recommendations from residents, of which the relevant city agencies have handled over 9,500, or nearly 80%. The rate of people who are satisfied with the results of feedback handling is 60%.

All 22 city agencies and 30 districts now have accounts on iHanoi. Urban order, environment and sanitation are the areas that have received the most feedback from the public.

The municipal government will soon issue regulations on the management, operation and the use of iHanoi. It will also require subordinate agencies to increase interaction with local residents through the app.

The iHanoi application on the mobilephone. Screenshot: Anh Kiet/The Hanoi Times