In 2023, surpassing the challenges of the global and domestic economic situation, Hanoi achieved comprehensive and positive results. The GRDP reached 6.27%, surpassing the national average; the local budget revenue reached VND 405,252 billion (114.8% of the estimate, a 23.8% increase compared to the same period in 2022). Allow me to introduce the 10 outstanding events of the capital in 2023, as voted by Hanoi.
Overhead Ring Road 2 project, Vinh Tuy – Nga Tu So section. (Photo by: Linh Nguyen)
- Continuous Innovation in Leadership Methods: The Party committees, authorities, and political systems enhanced discipline, regulations, and job responsibility. The quality of training, nurturing, and managing the official and Party member workforce was improved.
The work of building the Party and the city’s political system continued to innovate and achieved remarkable results. Emphasizing unity and innovating leadership methods toward scientific and democratic principles, closely adhering to practical requirements. The Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee issued and directed the strict implementation of Directive No. 24-CT/TU dated August 7, 2023, regarding “Enhancing discipline, regulations, and job responsibility in the political system of Hanoi.” There was a focus on reviewing and streamlining the organization, and apparatus, along with effective recruitment, planning, training, and nurturing of personnel, especially in leadership and management positions.
- Administrative Reform Was Strengthened: Administrative discipline, regulations, decentralization, and delegation of authority were enhanced.
After one year of implementing the State administrative decentralization project, essentially, the implementation of decentralization and delegation of authority in various sectors and fields ensured smooth operation. The city continued to reorganize its structure and apparatus, piloting the establishment of public service units, and reviewing and supplementing the functions of departments, branches, and specialized agencies. There was a strong effort to establish unit prices for public services in health, education and training, culture, society, and environmental sanitation, thereby contributing to giving local authorities more autonomy, reducing the time for administrative procedures, and freeing up resources for localities and units.
People carry out administrative procedures at the One-Stop Section of Thanh Xuan Nam ward (Thanh Xuan district). (Photo by: THUY NGUYEN)
- Maintaining Relatively High Economic Growth: Social welfare policies were ensured
The Hanoi economy achieved comprehensive and positive results, with a GRDP growth of 6.27%, surpassing the national average. The local budget revenue reached VND 405,252 billion (114.8% of the estimate, a 23.8% increase compared to the same period in 2022). These achievements and results contributed to the national goals of maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation, promoting growth, ensuring major balances, and restructuring the economic sector.
- Coordination with Central Agencies to Finalize the Draft Law on the Capital (Amended)
In 2023, the city focused on evaluating the implementation results of the 2012 Law on the Capital, conducting research, proposing policies, compiling documentation, and participating in the development of the Law on the Capital (Amended) for public feedback on November 10, 2023. The process of drafting the Law on the Capital (Amended) was meticulously and seriously coordinated by Hanoi with the Ministry of Justice and relevant agencies to ensure high-quality preparation.
- Accelerating the Progress of Key Transport Projects; Early Commencement of the Ring Road 4 – Hanoi Capital Area Project
Hanoi mobilized resources to complete key transport projects such as the extension of Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Phase 2 of Vinh Tuy Bridge, and the Overpass at Chua Boc – Pham Ngoc Thach Intersection, road connecting Phap Van – Cau Gie and Ring Road 3, etc.
2 of Vinh Tuy Bridge. (Photo by: LINH NGUYEN)
The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Ring Road 4 – Hanoi Capital Area Project took place earlier than scheduled on June 25, 2023. To date, over 96% of land clearance has been achieved. Contractors have initiated the implementation of packages, ensuring adherence to the outlined schedule.
- Cultural Development Endeavors, Cultivating Elegant and Civilized Hanoians, Emphasizing the “Creative City” Spirit
The implementation of the resolution on cultural industry development with a vision toward 2045 has shown positive developments, achieving noteworthy results in sectors such as cultural tourism, handicrafts, performing arts, and successfully organizing regional and international cultural and artistic events. A standout event was the 2023 Hanoi Creative Design Festival themed “Flow,” conveying a message of connection and honoring cultural values. The festival featured various cultural and creative activities, defining Hanoi’s unique identity by preserving traditions, shaping the present, and aspiring towards the future.
Festival at Kim Ngan Communal House, Hang Bac Street (Hoan Kiem District). (Photo by: DUY LINH)
- Intensifying the Social Learning Movement; Continuously Enhancing the Quality of Education, and Topping the Nation in National and International Student Excellence Examinations
In 2023, the education sector focused on innovating content, programs, teaching methods, examinations, and evaluations. The quality of education continued to improve, consistently leading the nation in the percentages of students rated as good and excellent, as well as those with good conduct. In the academic year 2022-2023, Hanoi students secured 141 awards in the national excellent student selection exams and 12 students won prizes in international competitions. Notably, over the past year, 92 students were honored to join the ranks of the Communist Party.
- Achieving the Goal of Building New Rural Districts Ahead of Schedule by 1 Year
As of December 5, 2023, all districts and towns in Hanoi have been officially recognized by the Prime Minister for meeting the new rural standards, completing the goal of building new rural districts one year ahead of schedule. Currently, all 382 communes have met the new rural standards, with 183 communes achieving advanced new rural standards and 68 communes attaining exemplary new rural standards. The four districts of Dan Phuong, Gia Lam, Dong Anh, and Thanh Tri are in the process of finalizing documentation to propose recognition as districts with advanced new rural standards in 2023.
- Second Consecutive Time Hanoi Receives the “World’s Top City Destination for Short Stays in 2023” Award
In 2023, Hanoi’s tourism sector garnered significant awards, including being recognized as the top tourist destination in Asia, the best world city for golf, the leading Asian city for short getaways, and having a Michelin-starred restaurant – a prestigious accolade in the global culinary industry. The Hanoi Tourism Department was honored with the title of “Asia’s Top City Tourism Management Agency.”
As a result, Hanoi continues to hold the title of the “World’s Top City Destination for Short Stays in 2023.” The total number of tourists to Hanoi in 2023 reached 24 million (a 27% increase from 2022), with total tourism revenue estimated at VND 85.7 trillion (a 43% increase from 2022).
Foreign tourists at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. (Photo by: DUY LINH)
- Strengthening National Defense, Security, and Foreign Affairs; Hanoi Remains a “Peaceful, Attractive, and Friendly Destination”
In 2023, Hanoi hosted nearly 90 international delegations for discussions and exchanges on various activities and collaborative projects with the city across multiple sectors. Particularly noteworthy was the successful organization of the 12th cooperation conference between Vietnamese and French localities, the largest to date, with nearly 1,000 delegates from 50 Vietnamese provinces and 12 French localities, along with numerous international organizations.
Reporter