Ha Noi targets faster growth under 100-year development vision

In an article marking the 72nd anniversary of Capital Liberation Day (October 10, 1954–2026), Politburo member and Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Tran Duc Thang, who also heads the Ha Noi delegation of National Assembly deputies, reviewed the capital's development achievements, outlined its long-term vision and highlighted key priorities for the years ahead.

He described the anniversary as an occasion to pay tribute to generations who sacrificed for national independence and freedom and contributed to the liberation, construction and defense of the capital. It also serves as a reminder of the responsibility borne by today's generation for the future of Ha Noi and the country.

As Viet Nam enters a new era of development, Ha Noi must continue to strengthen its development capacity, uphold the spirit of Capital Liberation Day, improve people's quality of life and contribute more substantially to national progress. These goals require a long-term vision, sound decisions and decisive action from the outset, he emphasized.

Capital Liberation Day: A legacy of history and responsibility

Throughout Viet Nam's history, Thang Long–Ha Noi has played a pivotal role in major national milestones. The success of the August Revolution in Ha Noi in 1945 inspired people across the country to rise up and seize power. On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

Following the historic Dien Bien Phu Victory, described as "globe-shaking," Ha Noi was liberated on October 10, 1954. Together with northern Viet Nam, the capital embarked on rebuilding a peaceful life and advancing towards socialism, while serving as a firm rear base for the struggle to liberate the South and reunify the country.

Over the past 72 years, Ha Noi has joined the nation in overcoming the consequences of war, rebuilding its economy, pursuing Doi Moi (renewal) and deepening international integration. From a city focused on restoring essential production and services after liberation, it has grown into the country's political and administrative centre and a major hub for economic, cultural, scientific, technological and educational activities, as well as international integration.

The capital's urban area has expanded, infrastructure has been progressively modernised, and people's living standards have continued to improve.

Through successive stages of development, Ha Noi has strengthened its identity as a capital of thousand-year-old culture, a heroic capital, a City for Peace, a UNESCO Creative City and a UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities member. It has also reinforced its role as a driving force for regional development and national progress.

These achievements provide a solid foundation for a new phase of development, Thang noted, highlighting sweeping reforms in the municipal political system's leadership and implementation methods.

Ha Noi is striving to take the lead through innovative thinking, decisive action and breakthrough solutions, while standing ready to implement new policies and undertake difficult, unprecedented tasks. The city is also advancing the two-tier local administration model, administrative reform and digital transformation.

It has topped the Provincial Innovation Index (PII) rankings for four consecutive years.

In 2025, Ha Noi's economy was valued at approximately US$63.5 billion, ranking second nationwide. State budget revenue reached VND711 trillion, accounting for more than one-quarter of the national total, while GRDP per capita stood at approximately VND180 million.

In 2026, the capital has intensified efforts to meet its socio-economic development targets in line with the directions set by central authorities. Its GRDP expanded by 8.85 per cent in the first nine months, including 10.02 per cent in the third quarter.

As of September 30, the city's state budget revenue was estimated at VND567.6 trillion, equivalent to 87.2 per cent of the annual target and up 5.8 per cent year-on-year. Foreign direct investment (FDI) reached US$4.067 billion.

Alongside economic development, Ha Noi has continued to invest in culture, healthcare, education and social welfare, while safeguarding national defence and security and enhancing its international standing.

However, Thang acknowledged that the capital still faces challenges. Economic growth has yet to meet its targets, while several sectors have not achieved breakthroughs commensurate with their potential. Domestic consumption, exports, services, tourism, real estate, science and technology all have considerable room for further development.

He called for stronger determination across the entire political system and more far-reaching reforms to capitalise on the city's advantages and mobilise resources for development.

A 100-year vision for Ha Noi's future

The 72nd anniversary of Capital Liberation Day comes as Ha Noi embarks on a new phase of development guided by a long-term strategic vision.

Politburo's Resolution No. 02-NQ/TW, dated March 17, 2026, sets out orientations for developing the capital in the new era. The 2026 Capital Law provides a legal framework for special mechanisms, policies and powers, while the capital's master plan with a 100-year vision establishes a long-term foundation for shaping its future.

Together, these frameworks are expected to support the development of a multi-polar, multi-centred capital, create momentum for major breakthroughs and pave the way for double-digit economic growth in the coming years.

According to Thang, the 100-year vision requires decisions that extend beyond immediate needs and fully account for their long-term implications. The achievements accumulated over decades, together with the strategic directions now being pursued, will shape the capital's development in both the immediate and long term, opening up new prospects for a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and heroic traditions.

As Ha Noi and Viet Nam enter a new era of development, the capital bears a historic responsibility to continue realizing President Ho Chi Minh's vision of a socialist capital.

Thang affirmed that the municipal Party organization, administration and people would pursue coordinated measures and solutions to ensure that the capital's development keeps pace with the demands of the new era.

The anniversary also reaffirms the enduring value of independence and peace and honors the trust that previous generations have placed in their successors. Upholding that legacy is both an honor and a responsibility for the municipal Party organization, administration, Party members and officials, he said.

Building on its proud history, Ha Noi is confidently pursuing its 100-year vision, striving to become a civilized, modern and happy capital that preserves its rich cultural heritage and fulfils its role as the heart of the nation./.