The Hanoi government has announced a new incentive scheme that will grant women a one‑off payment of VND4 million (about US$154) if they give birth to their second child before they turn 35. The program, set to launch next year, is part of a broader effort to address the city’s falling birth rate, the VnExpress International reported. The policy targets women who complete the two‑child milestone early, aiming to encourage higher fertility levels in the capital. Officials say the financial bonus is designed to make child‑rearing more affordable and to reverse a demographic trend that has seen fewer families opting for children in recent years. While the exact implementation details have yet to be released, the initiative reflects Hanoi’s commitment to boosting its population growth. Residents have expressed mixed feelings, with some welcoming the support and others noting that broader social and economic factors also influence family planning decisions.

Source: VnExpress International.