Hanoi seeks international cooperation for breakthroughs in development: Mayor

Hanoi aims to further promote cooperation with cities and associations around the world in efforts to create breakthroughs in sustainable development.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Chu Ngoc Anh at the meeting.

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh gave the remarks with representatives of Vietnam’s diplomatic missions abroad for the 2021-2024 tenure held today [October 28].

Anh said the Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose huge challenges for Hanoi in realizing its socio-economic targets for this year. “The city has made efforts to stabilize socio-political foundations and gradually put the local economy back on the upward trend,” he said.

During the city’s process of development, Anh acknowledged the significant contribution of Vietnam’s diplomatic missions abroad, which serve as the bridge to strengthen relations between Vietnam and countries around the world.

According to Anh, as Hanoi targets to become a modern, green, and smart city for comprehensive and sustainable growth, the capital would prioritize stabilizing the macro-economy and fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

Anh requested local agencies to keep close cooperation with Vietnamese ambassadors abroad to further promote the cultural industry, innovation, and vaccine diplomacy as the city looks to accelerate the economic recovery process.

At the meeting, the Director of the Hanoi Planning and Investment Department Do Anh Tuan noted the pandemic impacts decelerated the city’s GRDP growth by  7.02% in the third quarter.

However, the city posted a positive growth of 1.28% during the nine-month period, “which showcased the resilience and sustainability of the economy,” he added.

Overview of the meeting.

Tuan added Hanoi’s budget revenue during the nine-month period rose by 8.1% year-on-year to VND177.4 trillion (US$7.8 billion), in turn helping ensure sufficient funds for capital expenditure and keeping social welfare intact.

Tuan also informed the total FDI commitments to Hanoi in the nine-month period reached $1.28 billion, reflecting the confidence of foreign investors in the city’s business environment.

“The foreign-invested sector makes up an important part of the local economy, as it represents 10% of the total budget revenue, 12.6% of investment capital, 30% of the total workforce, and 45% of exports,” Tuan added.

“Hanoi remains a safe, attractive, and stable investment destination for foreign businesses,” he continued.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Vu Quang Minh highlighted Hanoi’s efforts in pursuing the twin goal of both containing the pandemic and boosting growth, which lays the foundation for the city to soon return to a new normal.

Minh added all Vietnamese missions abroad are committed to bolstering cooperation between Hanoi and other capitals in the world so as to promote the city’s image and attract foreign investment capital.

Vietnam’s Ambassador to New Zealand Nguyen Van Trung suggested cultural exchange and tourism are potential fields for cooperation between Hanoi and New Zealand.

“Tourism would be among the fields which would boom once the pandemic subsides,” he added.