This year 2012, Hanoi achieved an economic growth rate of 10-10.5 percent. And it is the goal of the Ha Noi People’s Council to stay, or even go beyond this level of economic achievement.  Ha Noi's aim to maintain its current economic growth rate focuses on the following resolutions: socio-economic tasks, national defense and security. Meanwhile the city will continue its efforts to lessen inflation, stabilize the economy,  provide social welfare and improve the standard of living.
 
In the export sector, a 15 percent increase is expected for 2013. The poor sector is expected to decrease by 1.5 percent. All households will be supplied with tap water and all existing industrial zones will be installed with waste water treatment systems. Road projects will be hastened in order to alleviate inner city traffic congestion. This includes the roads of Van Cao-Ho Tay (West Lake), Cat Linh-La Thanh, Yen Lang and ring road No.1 (O Chu Dua-Hoang Cau).
 
Although the GDP increased 1.6 times higher this year than the average national growth rate to 10.1 percent, this was lower than 2011’s 11 percent and did not achieve the 12 percent target. This was attributed to the financial crisis and worldwide economic recession.
 
Certain areas still need to be settled and improved despite the increase in Vietnam’s economic growth rate. The slow progress in infrastructure projects, traffic congestion, incorrect land use and social housing related issues are just some of the issues that need immediate solutions. The government has to take concrete and determined steps in enforcing and maintaining their policies especially in the areas of management capacity, public investment, administrative reform and improving savings.
 
Traffic congestion is a serious matter in Vietnam. Because of this, the city’s People’s Council has taken concrete steps in solving this problem, including increasing car registration and licensing fees at the start of this year. Motorbikes and bicycles however are exempted from this resolution. Changes in working hours are also proposed as another solution to the traffic problem in Vietnam. Areas covered by this proposal are the 10 inner districts and Tu Liem and Thanh Tri districts. The city’s traffic congestion program is a priority for the period of 2012-2015 with an estimated budget of VND425 billion (U.S.$20.24 million).
 
Ha Noi aims to maintain its economic growth rate this year. Specific policies and resolutions have already been planned and implemented to assure the success of this goal.