Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has pressed for careful andscientific planning of the Hanoi region, which holds a crucial role inthe country’s socio-economic development.

At a conferenceconvened by the steering board in charge of planning and investment inthe region in the northern province of Vinh Phuc on September 6, DeputyPM Hai said it is a must to thoroughly review the existing situation inthe localities chosen to shape the Hanoi region.

Five yearsinto the planning, there should be a forecast of their developmentpossibilities based on their potential and strengths, he said.

Relevant agencies, especially the Ministry of Construction and localauthorities were asked to issue relevant criteria as well as managementand working mechanisms to make the plan a success.

Under thePrime Minister’s Decision No. 490/QD-TTg approving the planning on theconstruction of the Hanoi region up to 2030, with a vision to 2050, theregion will encompass Hanoi as the core and its neighbouring provincesof Ha Tay, Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, Ha Nam and HoaBinh, covering a massive 13,428 sq.km and a population of nearly 13million.

On May 29, 2008, the National Assembly (12 thtenure) adopted a resolution on expanding the capital region.Accordingly, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen and Bac Giang are merged into theregion, raising its total area to 24,315 sq. km and a population of some17.5 million.

Last year, the region earned over 646 trillionVND (30.7 billion USD) in gross domestic product, or 21.72 percent ofthe national total. Technical and social infrastructure have been rampedup with major highways up and running.

Vinh Phuc takes the lead in urban planning and construction with regard to the Hanoi region development.
Deputy PM Hai requested the board to study and complete legal systemto manage investment in the building of the Hanoi region to avoid awaste of resources.-VNA