Hanoi strives to complete new rural area targets on schedule

Twelve districts have met standards

Hanoi consists of 12 urban areas, one district-level town and 17 rural districts. According to the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, 12 of the 17 rural districts have been recognized as new rural areas, including Dan Phuong, Dong Anh, Thanh Tri, Hoai Duc, Quoc Oai, Gia Lam, Thach That, Thuong Tin, Thanh Oai, Phuc Tho, Soc Son districts and Son Tay town.

The appearance of Hanoi’s suburban districts is improving

The remainder are expected to complete the criteria for such recognition by the end of the year or in 2022. Meanwhile, 368 out of 382 communes in those districts, or 96.3 percent, have been recognized as new rural areas.

However, Department Director Chu Phu My said that in the third quarter of 2021, Covid-19 posed many difficulties in implementation of the new-style rural area development program because local authorities were focused mainly on pandemic prevention and control.

The national target program on building new-styled rural areas was initiated by the government in 2010 to develop rural regions, including those within city boundaries. Criteria include the development of infrastructure, the improvement of production capacity, environmental protection, and the promotion of cultural values.

Fulfilling the city’s plans

At a recent meeting to evaluate the results of the Hanoi Party Committee’s program on new rural areas and developing the rural economy, many localities asked for funding.

Nguyen Dinh Hoa, Chair of the Chuong My District People's Committee, suggested that the city quickly adopt a new support policy on building advanced and model rural areas to create new motivation for the localities.

Vice Chair of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen said Hanoi has assigned the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to coordinate a review of the current criteria and propose a support package to meet the capital needs.

Quyen also asked the program steering committee to review all criteria on schools, cultural centers and clean water and present the city with detailed reports.

Nguyen Thi Tuyen, Standing Deputy Secretary of the City’s Party Committee, emphasized that from now to the end of 2021, four districts - Chuong My, Phu Xuyen, Ung Hoa, and Me Linh - must reach the new rural area finish line, while the remaining districts continue to focus on completing unfinished targets, especially on clean water and the environment. She agreed that Hanoi should provide support to suburban districts, including those building advanced and model rural areas.