Hanoi wishes to receive valuable assistance from diplomatic corps: Mayor

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung has expressed wish to receive more cooperation and assistance from the diplomatic corps to realize its goal of building a peaceful, green and advanced capital city.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh (middle) and spouse, Chairman of the Hanoi's People Committee, ambassadors, chargé de'affaires and representatives of international organizations and agencies in Vietnam joined in the gathering party. Photo: Trung Nguyen.

The gathering event on the occasion of the Vietnamese traditional New Year celebration for the diplomatic corps was jointly held by the Foreign Ministry and the Hanoi People’s Committee on January 14.

Mayor Chung stressed that Hanoi has grabbed opportunities and overcome the challenges to fulfill its foreign affairs mission in 2019, contributing to the socio-economic development of the city and the country.

The city’s GRDP grew by 7.62% last year, contributing 19.57% to the increase of the nationwide GDP. Its export turnover increased by 20.3%, the number of international tourists to Hanoi increase 17% while the total revenue from tourism grew by 34%. Hanoi is ranked among the world’s top ten cities in terms of tourism growth and has become a dynamic market for businesses and investors.

Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Duc Chung gave remark at the event. Photo: Trung Nguyen.

Foreign investment in the city reached US$8.6 billion in 2019, the highest in 30 years since Vietnam started to implement the open door policy, making Hanoi the leading destination for foreign investment in Vietnam for the second consecutive year.

Hanoi has been granted the membership of the Creative City Network by UNESCO. The contribution of Hanoi athletes to the national sport delegation continued to be the highest nationwide, which accounts for 30% of Vietnam’s gold medals at the recent SEA Games. International integration in education has also been promoted.

Mayor Chung also pointed out that Hanoi has worked closely with the embassies and foreign missions in the capital city to hold numerous events and activities in the pedestrian zone around Hoan Kiem Lake, contributing to presenting the cultural identity of Hanoi and Vietnam to the world and introducing the diversity of other cultures to Hanoi people and international friends. The relations between the capital city and world major towns and partners continue to be fostered, contributing to the achievements of the country in the field of foreign affairs.

He affirmed the successes are attributed to not only the constant efforts of authorities of all levels but also the considerable support and cooperation of international friends, diplomatic missions and international organizations and businesses.

2020 marks a significant milestone for Vietnam as the country assumes the roles of ASEAN 2020 Chair and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council 2020- 2021. Hanoi will be the venue of over 70 state-level political, cultural, economic and diplomatic events.

Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh delivered an address at the event. Photo: Trung Nguyen.

Addressing the banquet, Deputy Prime Minister and head of Vietnamese diplomacy Pham Binh Minh noted that Vietnam had an immensely memorable Year of the Pig 2019. For the second consecutive year, the country’s economic growth exceeded 7%. Foreign trade turnover broke the record, reaching $517 billion. International arrivals were over 18 million. Vietnam accelerated the implementation and official signing of new-generation FTAs such as CPTPP and EVFTA.

These achievements are due not only to the tireless efforts of the Vietnamese government and people, but also to strong support, effective cooperation and invaluable support from international friends and partners, Minh stressed.