Expecting strong changes for the capital Hanoi in the new era

(Chinhphu.vn) - "With the spirit of innovation, the desire for development and the consensus of the entire political system, the 18th Hanoi Party Congress will create a strong shift, bringing Hanoi closer to the goal of becoming a typical center of the country and the region."

Architect Tran Ngoc Chinh, Chairman of Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association.

Photo: Thanh Huyen/VGP

On October 10, Architect Tran Ngoc Chinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, former Deputy Minister of Construction, was honored as one of the 10 "Outstanding Capital Citizens" in 2025. On the eve of the 18th Hanoi Party Congress, term 2025 - 2030, reporters of the Government E-newspaper had an interview with him about his feelings when receiving this noble title along with his expectations and development orientations for the Capital in the coming period.

The greatest pride is to contribute to the Capital

Congratulations on being the first person to be named in the list of "10 Outstanding Citizens of the Capital ". Could you share your feelings and tell us about the special meaning of this award?

Mr. Tran Ngoc Chinh: When I was invited to receive the title of Distinguished Capital Citizen, I felt extremely happy and proud. At that moment, I thought about the years of working hard in the field of urban planning to serve the country and especially for the capital Hanoi . I cannot forget my colleagues, cadres in the field of urban planning, and the leaders of cities across the country and the capital Hanoi who have always supported me in the process of research, work and dedication.

In particular, for the capital Hanoi, I have spent a very long time and all my heart on important research such as expanding the boundary of the capital Hanoi, the general planning of the capital Hanoi, building the Law on the capital and all the contents related to the planning and development of the capital. Being recognized for these contributions through the title of Distinguished Capital Citizen is an award that I never thought of. This is a great happiness and pride, and I would like to dedicate this honor to all my friends and colleagues who have joined me in the development of Vietnam's urban areas, especially the capital Hanoi.

Sir, the 18th Hanoi Party Congress with the theme "Promoting the thousand-year-old tradition of civilization and heroism; uniting to build a clean and strong Party; pioneering and making breakthroughs in the new era; developing a civilized, modern and happy Capital", what do you think about the theme of the Congress ?

Mr. Tran Ngoc Chinh: The 18th Hanoi Party Congress is an extremely important milestone. Right from the title, the Congress clearly expressed its spirit. I am very honored to be an Outstanding Citizen of the Capital and to be invited to the Congress, which makes me even more excited and proud. With that theme, I believe it has encapsulated what Hanoi needs.

When developing the Hanoi Capital Master Plan, we proposed a slogan that was approved by the Politburo : "Green - Culture - Civilization - Modernity." In which, the word "culture" is a unique feature that only Hanoi has, because our Capital carries within itself the pride of a thousand years of culture. Hanoi is one of the capitals with a long history, carrying profound humanistic and political values. The fact that the Hanoi Party Committee took the phrase "a thousand years of culture" as its theme is completely appropriate. I think this clearly shows the pride of our Capital.

In addition, factors such as "solidarity, consensus, innovation and creativity" are essential to building a strong Party and a developed Capital. For Hanoi, the spirit of solidarity has become a precious tradition that needs to continue to be promoted and expressed more clearly in the will and aspirations of the people. Every cadre, party member and citizen of Hanoi carries within themselves that common aspiration. Hanoi's strength lies in solidarity, consensus, combined with science, technology and the spirit of innovation to create sustainable development.

I believe that the Hanoi Party Congress is not only a political event for the capital but also a meaningful event for the whole country. Hanoi is for the whole country and the whole country is for Hanoi. This Congress clearly demonstrates the courage, aspiration and belief of the people of the capital, as well as the common expectations of the people of the whole country towards Hanoi.

Mr. Tran Ngoc Chinh said that the Congress needs to discuss in depth the completion of a modern urban transport system, with railways as the core. Photo: VGP/Thanh Huyen.

What do you expect from the Congress about good results and strategic directions for the development of the Capital?

Mr. Tran Ngoc Chinh: In my opinion, the 2025 - 2030 term is a pivotal period, of great significance in realizing the major goals set for Hanoi by Resolution No. 06 of the Politburo and Resolution No. 57 of the Central Committee.

In the next 5 years, I would like to propose that Hanoi focus on three major priorities. First, develop a modern urban transport system, with urban railways as the core. Currently, we only have two railway lines, but the initial results are very positive. With a population of over 10 million people, Hanoi must have a modern, synchronous public transport system.

I think the Congress needs to discuss in depth the completion of this system, especially the model of urban development according to traffic orientation (TOD) connecting satellite cities such as: Hoa Lac, Son Tay, Soc Son, Xuan Mai, Phu Xuyen... Only then, Hanoi can fundamentally solve the problem of traffic congestion.

Second, overcome urban flooding and adapt to climate change. The recent heavy rains have shown that the current drainage system is not up to the task. Hanoi needs a long-term vision, technological solutions and synchronous planning to minimize damage, protect infrastructure and people's lives.

Third, planning and developing the space on both sides of the Red River. The Red River is the most important landscape and cultural axis of the capital. If the two banks of the river are well planned and managed, Hanoi will have more land, green space and attractive urban landscape. In addition, it is necessary to pay synchronous attention to other rivers such as the Duong River, To Lich River, Kim Nguu River, Lu River, etc. to form a unique water surface - green trees - landscape system, worthy of the title "Green, Cultural, Civilized, Modern City".

I believe that with the spirit of innovation, the desire for development and the consensus of the entire political system, this Congress will create a strong shift, bringing Hanoi closer to the goal of becoming a typical center of the country and the region.

As a citizen of the Capital, especially an Outstanding Citizen of the Capital, I am very proud of this Congress. I hope our Congress will be successful and move towards a new era. I wish the 18th Congress of the Hanoi Party Committee great success. Thank you.

Thank you very much !

Thanh Huyen (performed)

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/ky-vong-nhung-buoc-chuyen-manh-me-cua-thu-do-ha-noi-trong-ky-nguyen-moi-102251015173539152.htm