Hanoi, France commit stronger cooperation on heritage and infrastructure projects
Hanoi and the French embassy discussed expanding collaboration on Metro Line 3, the Long Bien Bridge renovation and heritage conservation, alongside innovation, digital transformation and long-term urban planning.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc and French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet have backed closer cooperation, with a focus on preserving and upgrading culturally and historically significant works.
Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc (right) presents a gift to French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet at a meeting on February 12. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times
Ngoc called for stronger coordination on Hanoi Metro Line 3, particularly the Nhon-Hanoi Station section and the Long Bien Bridge renovation.
Hanoi also seeks French expertise in science and technology, digital transformation and heritage conservation, he said at a meeting with the French ambassador on February 12.
The Hanoi Party Chief urged both sides to speed up joint projects through clear roadmaps and designated focal points to streamline exchanges and resolve bottlenecks.
“The cooperation would carry added significance as Vietnam approaches the Communist Party’s 100th anniversary in 2030,” Ngoc said.
He said Hanoi aims for annual gross regional domestic product growth of at least 11% in 2026-2031.
To meet that target, the city plans to rely on science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, skilled human resources and cultural strengths, the city’s Party chief said.
Hanoi is reviewing its master plan with a 100-year vision, adopting a multi-layered, multi-center urban model to manage population distribution and strengthen regional connectivity, he added.
Ngoc said the city seeks to tap underground and low-rise space while balancing heritage preservation with modernization.
He added that Hanoi is proposing amendments to the Capital Law to create stronger momentum for sustainable growth.
Ambassador Olivier Brochet welcomed Vietnam’s and Hanoi’s trust in French partners for the design and implementation of key projects.
He said the cooperation reflects strong bilateral trust beyond technical aspects.
Brochet noted Vietnam’s recent steps on investment procedures and expressed hope that both sides will soon remove obstacles to keep projects on schedule.
Hanoi and French embassy delegations in a group photo.
On the Long Bien Bridge renovation, he described the project as a symbol of ties between the two countries and between Hanoi and French localities.
He said France allocated about 700,000 euros (US$831,500) in 2024-2025 for pre-feasibility studies and technical assessments, including structural reviews and proposed solutions.
Brochet said the studies provide a basis for further discussions and decisions.
He affirmed that French agencies, organizations and businesses stand ready to mobilize financing and expertise to support the project.
The ambassador also pledged to work with Hanoi authorities on upcoming initiatives, particularly those involving the preservation and upgrading of historically significant infrastructure.
