European Union Ambassador to Vietnam Giorgio Aliberti has promised financial support for Hanoi’s third metro line project as it suits the bloc’s strategy on sustainable transport development.

Hanoi mayor Tran Sy Thanh (right) receives the EU ambassador Giorgio Aliberti on April 28. Photo: Tu Anh/The Hanoi Times

The project, once finished and operated, will facilitate more convenient travel for people in Hanoi and accelerate local authorities to develop green transportation in Vietnam, he said.

The EU wants to strengthen the relations with Hanoi and work with the city on green transition, and sustainable development projects, Giorgio added.

He credited the relations between Hanoi and the EU as the two sides shared similar traits in culture and architecture.

He said European businesses have become more interested in the Vietnamese market since the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) was ratified in 2020. The nation has remained one of the strongest growing economies.

The remarks were made at the meeting between Giorgio and Hanoi People’s Committee chairman Tran Sy Thanh last week.

Other cooperation topics between the EU and Hanoi include the launch of the second European Village on May 12-14 and the development of the European Management University.

Giorgio said the second European Village would offer Hanoi people an opportunity to experience the cultures of Europe. The first event was held in 2018.

Regarding the university development, the ambassador expected to create a European-standardized facility for Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

He also asked the city authorities to support the project implementation, especially the venue consultation.

A delegation of European specialists will soon arrive in Vietnam to discuss the implementation of the project, the ambassador said.

In his part, chairman Thanh welcomed the suggestions of the EU Ambassador, reaffirming the importance of EU-Vietnam relations.

He expected that EU member states would soon approve the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), thus encouraging European investors to come to Vietnam to share experiences and technologies.

About the second European Village, chairman Thanh said the European cultures had won the hearts of many people in the capital city, hoping the launch would converge typical cultures of the EU.