Create a breakthrough in building smart cities

Over the years, Hanoi Capital has always affirmed its position as the national political – administrative center and the heart of the country. It is a major center for economics, culture, education and training, science and technology, and international integration. Possessing a rich history and culture, with a large number of heritages and relics, along with a diverse and unique system of landscapes and scenic spots, Hanoi plays a crucial role in the socioeconomic development, and national defense and security assurance of the Red River Delta and the whole country. Therefore, it is entirely reasonable that both master plans of the Capital and the draft Law on Capital (amended) set forth certain criteria higher than the national average. However, many experts believe that new ideas are needed to help Hanoi achieve the desired “breakthrough”.

The Government emphasizes the need for Hanoi to focus on researching development plans for the Red River axis, enabling the Red River to truly become the development center of the Capital.

Commenting on the Master Plan of Hanoi, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Tuan Nghia from Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics stated that smart city development is an inevitable trend for cities today. In the future, under the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, cities will naturally become smart cities. Therefore, whether with a vision of 30 years or longer, building a foundation and consistently pursuing smart city development from today is not only a principle but also an “order” for cities, including Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam.

Based on the current reality of urban development, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Tuan Nghia observed that both planners and economic experts have primarily focused on the technical and economic foundation. They haven’t fully grasped the necessity of integrating and moving towards a conscious socio-economic foundation. This form of urban development is embodied in the concept of smart and unique cities.

“Establishing a system of breakthrough institutions is not something Hanoi can accomplish alone; it requires the involvement of the Central Government and relevant ministries and sectors to coordinate responsibilities in building Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, into a smart and unique city. All efforts from Hanoi’s authorities will be less effective if decisions from the Central Government contradict the consistent orientation of the Capital. Therefore, to overcome this, groundbreaking institutions for Hanoi’s development need to be considered holistically. In the immediate future, we should consider coordinating resources between Hanoi and the Central Government and establish a breakthrough mechanism for utilizing central resources within the city. Lack of institutional grounds will make it challenging to motivate the city’s leadership to dare to think, dare to do, and dare to innovate”, emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Tuan Nghia.

An Awakening “Order”

Furthermore, to elevate the value of the Red River landscape axis, which has been affirmed over the years, the Politburo emphasizes the need for the city to carefully consider development plans for the Red River axis, enabling it to genuinely become the center of the Capital’s development. Hanoi is specifically urged to ensure a harmonious distribution of ecological spaces, cultural and historical areas, green spaces, and modern urban spaces on both banks of the Red River. This will contribute to shaping a renewed image of a cultural, civilized, and modern Capital, with the goal of transforming the Red River development space into a “new development symbol” for Hanoi. From there, research should be conducted and incorporated into current and future plans to effectively utilize land resources on both sides of the Red and Duong rivers for socio-economic development, especially in tourism and services.

 

 

Tuan Dung