The Emulation Cluster of five centrally-governed cities – Hanoi, Haiphong, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Cantho – held a conference on March 22 to review the implementation of their 2024 emulation agreement.

Attending the conference on behalf of Hanoi's leadership was Le Hong Son, member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee cum Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee.

Following the Government's theme of "overcoming difficulties, solidarity, self-reliance, adaptability, flexibility, decisive action, scientific and effective execution, proactive innovation, and creativity", the five centrally-governed cities achieved positive results, according to Truong Canh Tuyen, Chairman of the Cantho People's Committee and Head of the Emulation Cluster for 2024.

The economic growth rate of all cities in the cluster increased compared to 2023. That of Haiphong grew by 11.01%, Ho Chi Minh City by 7.17%, Hanoi by 6.5%, Danang by 7.51%, and Cantho by 7.12%. The total budget revenue of these cities exceeded VND1.150 quadrillion (US$45 billion).

All five cities made remarkable achievements in rural development. The cluster now has 435 communes meeting the "advanced new rural" standards, 227 communes classified as "model new rural," and 100% of districts either meeting new rural standards or completing their rural development tasks.

In 2025, Hue becomes the sixth member of the emulation cluster of centrally-governed cities after it officially became one on January 1, 2025.

On this occasion, the six centrally-governed cities signed the 2025 Emulation Agreement, demonstrating their shared commitment to achieving economic and social development goals.

The cities identified key priorities, focusing on urgent tasks, particularly the implementation of the revolution to streamline the organizational structure of the entire political system, in line with Resolution No.18-NQ/TW dated October 25, 2017 by the Party Central Committee.

This initiative aims to reduce staff numbers, restructure personnel, and improve the quality of officials, civil servants, and public employees, with the highest determination to ensure its success.

The six cities also pledged to strengthen public communication, identify, nurture, and promote exemplary individuals and collectives with outstanding achievements.

The cities must work together in unity to build a streamlined, effective, and efficient state apparatus, said Tran Viet Truong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee.

They will closely follow the policies issued by the Government for this year, and effectively implement emulation movements and peak campaigns, especially those aimed at completing 3,000 km of expressways, and eliminating temporary and dilapidated housing by the end of 2025, he said.

"The six cities in the emulation cluster must focus on reorganizing and strengthening the departments responsible for emulation and commendation, enhancing the capacity of officials, and promoting the application of information technology and digital transformation," he added.