Hanoi targets population cap of 20 million in 100-year master plan

The plan, signed by Hanoi People’s Committee Chairman Vu Dai Thang, outlines population, economic and infrastructure targets through 2085, with a strong focus on sustainable urban expansion, metro development and regional connectivity.

Under the roadmap, Hanoi’s population is projected to reach 14-15 million by 2035 and 15-16 million by 2045.

By 2065, the city is expected to have between 17 million and 19 million residents.

Beyond 2065, authorities aim to stabilize growth and ensure the population does not exceed 20 million.

The Vietnamese capital also plans to upgrade the quality of its workforce, particularly in high-tech industries, finance and public administration.

Officials want Hanoi to become Vietnam’s leading center for high-quality human resources through stronger international education partnerships and a ‘Government - School - Business’ cooperation model.

The city plans to introduce special policies to attract leading experts and talented professionals to help address major urban challenges.

Authorities also pledged to build a more professional leadership system while encouraging innovation and bold policymaking.

Besides, Hanoi aims for annual gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth above 11 percent between 2026 and 2035.

By 2035, the city’s economy is projected to reach around US$200 billion, with per capita income estimated at about $18,800, compared to the 2025 figure of nearly VND180 million ($6,830), according to Dan Tri newspaper.

The digital economy is expected to account for 50 percent of GRDP, while cultural industries would contribute roughly 10 percent.

Hanoi also targets a Human Development Index of 0.90 and a happiness score of 9.2 out of 10 during the period.

Between 2036 and 2045, the city expects to maintain growth above 11 percent annually, expanding GRDP to approximately $640 billion and raising per capita income to at least $42,000.

By 2065, Hanoi envisions becoming a ‘global city’ with GRDP reaching around $1.92 trillion and average annual income climbing to at least $95,000 per person.

The long-term vision for the 2066-85 period includes annual growth of 4-5 percent, with per capita GRDP surpassing $200,000.

Cultural industries are projected to contribute 15-20 percent of the economy by then.

A major component of the master plan centers on transportation infrastructure.

Hanoi identified urban rail transit as the backbone of future urban development and plans to expand its metro network to roughly 1,200 kilometers.

The expanded system would include three regional railways, two express metro lines, 11 metro routes and six light rail or automated transit lines.

Authorities also plan to apply transit-oriented development, or TOD, models throughout the city.

The plan positions neighboring provinces such as Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, and Ninh Binh as satellite urban centers supporting the Vietnamese capital.

Officials also emphasized preserving Hanoi’s historical and cultural identity by renovating aging residential areas, restoring old apartment blocks and protecting landmarks such as the Old Quarter and former French Quarter.

The Red River is envisioned as the capital’s central green corridor and ecological, cultural and economic axis.

A scenic boulevard along the river is expected to become one of Hanoi’s strategic development corridors.

The city will also reserve land in the southern part near Ung Hoa and Chuyen My Communes for a future second airport serving the capital region.

The area is planned as an airport urban zone integrated with logistics and high-speed rail connections.