VGP - The amended Capital Law, adopted by the National Assembly in 2024 and effective from January 1, 2025, is expected to create breakthroughs that drive growth in the Red River Delta, the northern key economic region, and Viet Nam as a whole.
The amended Capital Law, adopted by the National Assembly in 2024 and effective from January 1, 2025, is expected to create breakthroughs that drive growth in the Red River Delta
Ha Noi's role and vision
Covering nearly 3,400 sq.km with a population of almost nine million, Ha Noi is the second most populous centrally-run city in Viet Nam. The capital has affirmed its role as the nation's political and administrative hub while making strides in economic, cultural, and social development.
To match its historic legacy and rising stature, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 15-NQ/TW on May 5, 2022, setting out orientations for the capital's development to 2030, with a vision toward 2045. The resolution envisions Ha Noi as a civilized, modern city with a time-honored cultural identity.
Under the targets, the city's GRDP growth is expected to outpace the national average between 2021 and 2025, and expand by 8–8.5 percent annually from 2026 to 2030. Per capita GRDP is projected at US$12,000–13,000 by 2030 and above US$36,000 by 2045.
Recognizing this as a critical task in the national development and defense strategy, Ha Noi has been working on programs to implement the resolution. These include drafting the amended Capital Law, preparing a master plan through 2050, and adjusting the master plan to 2045 with a vision to 2065.
The adjusted Master Plan to 2045, with a vision to 2065, outlines five urban zones
New planning directions
The adoption of the 2024 Capital Law has generated excitement among authorities and citizens, who expect it to bring meaningful change and unlock the city's full potential. Two major planning projects, approved by the legislature and the Politburo, have shaped Ha Noi's spatial structure, urban governance, investment, and future development.
Unlike other planning schemes, the Capital Master Plan emphasizes cultural and heritage preservation. As the nation's cultural epicentre, Ha Noi is tasked with promoting creativity, nurturing human resources, and advancing science, technology, and innovation.
Although implementation will face challenges, strong strategies and the trust of the Party, State, and people are expected to help Ha Noi confidently transform itself.
The adjusted Master Plan to 2045, with a vision to 2065, outlines five urban zones:
Southern zone of the Red River: Including the historic core districts of Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, and Hai Ba Trung. Plans call for easing congestion by relocating government offices, universities, and hospitals, with vacated land converted into parks, public facilities, and cultural hubs.
Eastern zone: Covering Long Bien and Gia Lam, focusing on trade, logistics, healthcare, and education.
Northern zone: Linked to the envisioned Northern City, prioritizing clean energy, eco-tourism, and smart urban initiatives along the Red River.
Western zone: Serving as a hub for science, technology, higher education, and ecological tourism.
Southern zone: Targeting logistics and industrial development to boost regional economic integration.
By 2030, Ha Noi's population is expected to reach 12 million with an urbanization rate of 65–70 percent. By 2045, the population will rise to 14.6 million, with urbanization above 75 percent.
The plan also envisions 23 industrial parks with a combined 5,800 hectares, including eight existing IPs, two under construction, and 13 new ones.
From planning to implementation
The Ha Noi Department of Planning and Architecture has taken the lead in advising the city government on implementing the adjusted master plan. In 2025, its priorities include finalizing district-level plans, functional zoning, and urban layouts, while reviewing proposals for districts transitioning to urban status. The department is also tasked with expediting delayed investment projects.
Efforts will center on urban redevelopment, reconstruction of old apartment blocks, design of new public spaces, and protection of valuable architectural works. Planning will also cover major infrastructure, squares, cultural facilities, and green areas.
The department will refine development indicators under Program No. 05-CTr/TU on planning, resource efficiency, environmental protection, and disaster response for 2021–2025, in alignment with Program No. 03 on urban beautification and economic growth.
These initiatives will provide a basis for evaluating progress ahead of the city's 18th Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term. Leadership accountability, close supervision, and decisive action are emphasized.
Looking ahead, Ha Noi will implement the adjusted master plan in line with Decision No. 1668/QD-TTg issued on December 27, 2024, focusing on zoning projects along Ring Road 4, the northern urban area, and the western city.
Finally, the department will work with the City People's Committee to draft and issue a resolution guiding the implementation of the amended Capital Law, ensuring the legal framework translates into tangible results./.
