Hanoi, Vientiane explore cooperation opportunities in tourism development

Hanoi and Vientiane can continue to collaborate and exchange ideas to further develop the entertainment industry and boost tourism in both cities.

Overview of the meeting. Photos: The Hanoi Times

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Ha Minh Hai shared the view on April 25 during a meeting with the Deputy Mayor of Vientiane Capital Phouvong Vongkham, who is currently visiting Hanoi.

At the meeting, Hai emphasized that this visit marked the continuation of a vibrant cooperation between the two cities, particularly following the recent visit to Laos by the Hanoi delegation, led by Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung.

Hai asserted that the solidarity, cooperation, and mutual assistance between Vietnam and Laos, between the Party, government, and people of both Hanoi and Vientiane, are invaluable assets and the foundation for both countries and cities to thrive.

Highlighting the signed cooperation agreement between the Party committees and governments of Hanoi and Vientiane for the period of 2022 - 2025, Hai noted that it has initiated a series of dynamic collaborative activities and provided a framework for numerous multi-sectoral cooperation projects between the two localities.

He emphasized that Hanoi, as a major urban center, has a significant demand for cultural activities to serve its residents. Moreover, as a national tourism hub, Hanoi's cultural, recreational, and entertainment areas require substantial investment and development on a regional scale, incorporating modern standards while preserving traditional cultural values and catering to diverse age groups. Consequently, in recent years, especially after the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hanoi has identified culture and tourism, including both folk and modern cultural activities, as a key cultural industry of the capital.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Ha Minh Hai (r) and Deputy Mayor of Vientiane Capital Phouvong Vongkham.

Various cultural and entertainment activities have been developed in Hanoi, such as pedestrian streets, outdoor entertainment complexes (West Lake Water Park and Bao Son Paradise), circus theaters, cinemas, shopping malls, aquariums, parks, educational amusement areas, as well as electronic gaming and online gaming centers which contribute to the digital economy.

However, alongside achievements, Hanoi faces certain challenges in urban planning and resource development and lacks specific mechanisms and policies for the development of entertainment businesses. Specialized entertainment services such as karaoke and nightclubs require strict management to ensure compliance with planning, safety, security, and order, Hai noted.

Delegates from Vientiane expressed admiration for Hanoi's efforts in preserving, promoting, and exploiting its cultural values. In tourism, they noted a diverse range of products that effectively leverage the cultural foundation of the capital's residents.

The delegates raised questions on 13 key areas, including strategies for tourist attraction, security management, solutions to employment issues in areas affected by land reclamation, and the management of recreational areas.

Moreover, the Vientiane delegation showed interest in regulations governing karaoke businesses, night markets at all levels, licensing, and provision of services to domestic and international tourists, particularly district-level management in the operation of large restaurants and foreign-invested establishments, and regulations applicable to conditional business sectors.

After the Vientiane delegation was briefed by representatives from Hanoi's Departments of Culture and Sports, Tourism, and Hoan Kiem District People's Committee on the issues of interest to the Vientiane delegation, Vice Chairman Hai provided further information on strategic directions, planning, development perspectives, and visions. He emphasized that Hanoi sees cultural and human development not only as goals but also as resources and drivers of development, with heritage preservation and promotion playing a crucial role and being leveraged through technology.

Delegates at the meeting.

Regarding decentralization and empowerment, Hanoi is actively delegating authority to districts and communes, rigorously enforcing regulations, and halting activities in areas where regulations are lacking.

Hanoi is also promoting nighttime economic development, taking advantage of the unique characteristics of the capital following the passage of the revised Capital Law.

Hai stressed the city's focus on infrastructure development to connect different destinations. Regarding licensing and post-licensing management of conditional business activities, Hanoi has specific regulations in place, and only activities that meet the conditions are allowed.

He considered the issues raised by the Vientiane delegation to be practical and of significant importance,   both for the spiritual life of the people and sustainable revenue for the budget. He expressed the hope that both capitals would continue coordinating and sharing experiences to further develop the entertainment and tourism industries.

Deputy Mayor of Vientiane Phouvong Vongkhamsao thanked Hanoi's leaders for their open and friendly exchange, emphasizing that the insights shared would serve as valuable lessons for Vientiane to enhance quality and instill confidence in domestic and international tourists.

He expressed his confidence that future generations of both countries will continue to nurture and develop the relationship that the current leaders of both nations have painstakingly cultivated, wishing for a long-lasting and enduring relationship between the two countries.