Developing Ha Noi's rural areas into flourishing and comfortable countryside settings for living
Hà Nội, the political, economic, and cultural centre of Việt Nam, is undergoing a remarkable transformation through the implementation of the National Target Programme on New Rural Development. This initiative is modernising infrastructure, enhancing livelihoods, and revitalising cultural life across the city's countryside[1][3].
Infrastructure improvements are evident in the concrete-lined irrigation canals and improved road networks, which facilitate agricultural productivity and connectivity. These upgrades have benefited farming communities like those in Hương Sơn and Yên Bài communes[1]. The programme emphasises no new public debt while carefully planning investments to sustainably upgrade basic rural infrastructure[3].
The transformation extends to the livelihoods of Hà Nội’s rural residents. Strategic investments and local governance have supported the shift from purely agricultural villages to diversified economies with rising living standards[1][3]. This evolution includes promoting green environments and modern housing while maintaining cultural traditions.
Cultural life has thrived alongside these material improvements, as development efforts consciously balance tradition and modernity. Villages are becoming more vibrant community hubs where local heritage remains respected and integrated into contemporary rural living[1][3].
In Thiên Lộc Commune, rural development has led to clean village roads, improved agricultural output, and growing tourism activities. Yên Bài Commune, once a mountainous locality with many hardships, has undergone a remarkable transformation due to strategic investments from the city[2].
Phúc Sơn Commune, a newly established commune in Hà Nội, focuses on rice cultivation, vegetable farming, and livestock breeding, sectors being actively transitioned toward bio-safe, commodity-oriented production[4]. Households in Phúc Sơn are adopting modern models for fruit farming under VietGAP standards and closed-loop livestock systems[5].
In Suối Hai Commune, Mường ethnic minority people are cultivating high-quality tea following new rural development standards[6]. A dairy cattle farm operated by Nguyễn Quang Toàn in the same commune was developed in partnership with an enterprise under the new-style rural development criteria[5].
The Đông Cao General Services Cooperative in Mê Linh Commune specialises in safe vegetable and fruit production on about 200ha, generating VNĐ200-250 million per hectare per year[7]. Vũ Văn Mạnh in Cao Sơn Tiến Commune has found success with organic asparagus farming, achieving both high productivity and sustainability[8].
The phalaenopsis orchid greenhouse of Ngô Minh Trưởng in Tam Hưng Commune generates annual revenues in the billions of đồng (hundreds of thousands of US dollars) due to modern environmental control systems[9].
Infrastructure in Yên Bài is now well-developed, and community cultural houses have been built[2]. Hà Nội has reorganised its commune-level administrative units to improve effectiveness and better serve its citizens, streamlining the number of rural communes to 75[10].
Localities in Hà Nội must build upon the results achieved in the New Rural Development Programme, operate the new two-tier government system effectively, and focus on sustainable economic growth by tapping into their unique strengths and potentials[11]. Hà Nội is entering a new stage of rural development under the two-tier local government model, officially implemented from July 1, 2025[11].
References:
- Ha Noi's rural development program
- Yen Bai Commune's transformation
- Ha Noi's rural development model
- Phuc Son Commune's focus
- Phuc Son's modern farming practices
- Tea cultivation in Suoi Hai Commune
- Đông Cao General Services Cooperative
- Organic asparagus farming in Cao Son Tien Commune
- Phalaenopsis orchid greenhouse in Tam Hung Commune
- Ha Noi reorganises commune-level administrative units
- Hanoi's new stage of rural development
