Hanoi and Russia’s Kaluga strengthen ties in key sectors

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi and Russia’s Kaluga Province aim to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors, citing shared development priorities and long-standing ties as a solid foundation for deeper engagement.

According to Nguyen Xuan Luu, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, the two localities share a traditional and close friendship, but cooperation results have yet to reach their full potential.

During a meeting with Kaluga Governor Vladislav Valerievich Shapsha on November 25, Luu stressed Hanoi’s role as Vietnam’s political and administrative center and a major hub for economic, cultural, scientific and technological development and international integration.

Reviewing several key policies and achievements, he said Hanoi has invested strongly in industrial development, construction and information technology to strengthen urban connectivity and support the northern regional economy.

During 2024–2025, Hanoi is implementing large-scale projects aimed at building a smart and sustainable city while prioritizing healthcare, tourism, public safety and economic development to improve living standards and deepen international cooperation.

The city has been improving its business environment to attract domestic and foreign investment, particularly in technology-driven sectors.

Luu said both sides have favorable conditions to elevate cooperation and urged a stronger exchange of delegations to share experience in management, planning and urban development.

He called on Russian companies, including those from Kaluga, to expand investment and technology transfer to Hanoi, particularly in manufacturing, industrial infrastructure and education and training.

“Hanoi and Kaluga are well positioned to expand cooperation, as the province’s strengths align closely with Hanoi’s development priorities and there is room for further progress,” Luu said.

He added that Hanoi welcomes foreign companies, including those from Kaluga, to explore its investment environment and expand business opportunities, especially in technology transfer, food production, livestock farming and agricultural products.

For his part, Governor Vladislav Valerievich Shapsha said Kaluga is one of Russia’s most economically advanced regions, ranking highly in industrial growth, per-capita investment, income growth and the application of advanced production technologies.

Kaluga is home to 12 world-class scientific research institutes working in physics, high technology, meteorology, hydrology and new energy – an important foundation for innovation and the development of a knowledge-based economy.

The province has strong industrial sectors, including automobile manufacturing, railway equipment, mechanical engineering and high-tech production.

Kaluga has also prioritized infrastructure and transport development to boost trade, achieved notable results in agriculture and ranks among Russia’s top five regions in international cooperation. In recent years, the province has helped train more than 350 Vietnamese specialists in various fields.

Shapsha said the visiting delegation included business representatives, experts and provincial leaders from sectors such as justice, industry and trade, reflecting Kaluga’s desire to expand comprehensive cooperation with Hanoi.

He expressed hope that the meeting would open the door to practical, effective and sustainable cooperation programs and projects in the future.

The Russian official also conveyed condolences over the losses suffered by the Vietnamese people during recent floods and natural disasters, expressing hope that Vietnam would soon overcome the difficulties.