Between 2020 and 2025, with strong participation across the political system, Dong Anh commune has completed the development of advanced and exemplary new rural standards and fulfilled all criteria for upgrading from commune to ward status.
Dong Anh has emphasized that advanced and model new rural development must go beyond meeting benchmarks to deliver substantive improvements, with people at the center. According to the Dong Anh Commune People’s Committee, prior to administrative restructuring, all seven communes had achieved advanced rural standards, and four had achieved model rural standards. Following the establishment of the new administrative unit, the locality fulfilled all 31 criteria for commune-to-ward conversion and completed 15 component projects. This provides the foundation for shifting governance toward urban standards, not merely fulfilling procedural evaluations.
A key factor behind these results was prioritizing planning to avoid fragmented development. Dong Anh has secured approval for all six urban sub-zone planning projects and 27 of 29 detailed residential planning projects. Urban growth has been developed in parallel with heritage preservation at Co Loa and Lai Da to maintain cultural and landscape identity amid population restructuring.
Nguyen Van Thieng, Chairman of the Dong Anh commune People’s Committee, affirmed that advanced and model new rural development has been carried out methodically. From planning to infrastructure, priorities were sequenced: upgrading rural transport, widening village lanes, reinforcing ponds and lakes, planting trees, and building parking lots. Particularly, 100% of roads are now equipped with LED lighting, enhancing safety, conserving energy, and strengthening urban order. Construction order is strictly controlled as “operational discipline” to maintain standards beyond completion.
Dong Anh has invested heavily in cultural and sports facilities. Currently, all villages have cultural centers equipped with modern facilities for community use. Across the commune, nearly 900 sports areas have been built, with about 700 outdoor fitness devices installed, alongside a modern stadium, 148 football fields, 235 badminton courts, 450 volleyball courts, and 13 swimming pools.
Two intangible cultural heritage practices of Dong Anh, the Co Loa Festival and Dao Thuc Water Puppetry, have been inscribed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, while other local festivals and traditions are also being preserved and promoted. Cultural and sports activities in Dong Anh have consistently ranked among the leading in Hanoi.
Environmental protection has also become part of daily life. More than 70% of households now practice waste separation at source. Resident Nguyen Viet Tu observed: “The roads are bright, the alleys accessible, and cultural centers active. Infrastructure issues are resolved more quickly. People clearly see their role in protecting the environment, especially in waste separation.”
Nguyen Anh Dung, Secretary of the Dong Anh commune Party Committee, emphasized: “Our goal is to turn the criteria into standards that truly serve the people. Completing all 31 commune-to-ward criteria reflects not just procedure, but governance capacity, service efficiency, and the responsibility of the entire political system, from commune to village level.”
In terms of public investment, Dong Anh has implemented 1,125 projects with a total budget of VND48.979 trillion, prioritizing key infrastructure connections and initiatives to raise quality of life. As a result, the local economy, culture, and living standards have made significant progress. By 2025, average per capita income will reach VND92.5 million per year, up 49.7% from 2020.
Agriculture has shifted toward ecological and technology-driven production, integrating OCOP products with VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards to increase value. Meanwhile, trade and services have expanded in line with population needs and new development projects.
Building on its achievements, Dong Anh aims to develop into a modern urban area while preserving traditional values. The commune continues to strengthen Party-building, uphold leadership accountability, and refine processes for issuing and implementing resolutions with precision, clear accountability, and measurable outcomes. “Our objective is to ensure continuity when transitioning governance to urban standards, avoiding disruption at the grassroots level,” Nguyen Anh Dung stressed.
By Bao Dan , Vietnam Business Forum
| This special section is supported by Hanoi Coordination Office of the New Rural Development Program |
Vietnamese
