Hanoi and the Ile-de-France region will jointly execute several cooperation projects in the coming period, including the planning and development of the pedestrian zone around Hoan Kiem Lake, the preservation of the ancient village of Duong Lam, and the improvement of public transportation.

Hanoi leaders present souvenirs to the representative of the Institute for Urban Planning and Development. Photos: Do Truong

This view was expressed during a working session between Hanoi authorities and the Institute for Urban Planning and Development - Ile de France (IPR) on August 21.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee and Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan emphasized the importance of this visit, as it takes place in the context of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1973-2023) and the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership (2013-2023), which further consolidates the objectives set at the 12th Conference on Decentralized Cooperation between Vietnamese and French localities held in Hanoi in mid-April 2023.

Nguyen Ngoc Tuan emphasized that in the coming phase, the city hopes to continue close coordination with the Ile-de-France region to effectively implement the joint action program between the two localities for the 2022-2025 period.

Cooperation between Hanoi and the Ile-de-France Region has been going on for 34 years and has become increasingly effective in various fields such as urban planning, heritage preservation, cultural values, urban transport and environmental protection.

Some notable projects and initiatives include the renovation project of Dien Hong Park (Toad Flower Garden), the preservation of 49 Tran Hung Dao Villa, the air quality improvement project, the reduction of plastic waste, and the technical assistance project "Hanoi - Sustainable City", which have made significant contributions to the construction and development of the capital city.

During the working session, the leaders of the Ile-de-France Region committed to continuing close coordination with Hanoi's departments and agencies in the near future to achieve concrete results that will contribute to the overall achievements of cooperation between Hanoi and the Ile-de-France Region and the two countries of Vietnam and France.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan (central) and other delegates attend the event.

As part of the working agenda in France, Chairman of Hanoi People's Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan and the delegation attended the Hanoi-France Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Conference 2023.

Delivering the opening remarks here, Tuan highly appreciated the significance of the conference in promoting investment attraction, tourism, and boosting exports, as well as building "Hanoi - City of Innovation”.

He said that Hanoi is considered a safe, attractive and potential destination for foreign businesses and investors, especially after its administrative boundary was expanded 15 years ago. The city authorities are committed to creating favorable conditions for businesses and investors to explore information and seize safe and effective investment opportunities.

Jean-François Ambrosio, Geographical coordinator - Asia and South Pacific at Business France, said the conference promoted exchanges between Vietnam and France and encouraged cooperation between Vietnamese and French firms. It aimed to integrate Vietnam into the Asian development strategy of French enterprises and establish France as a platform for Vietnamese businesses to enter the European market.

Nguyen Hai Nam, Chairman of the Vietnamese Business Association in France, suggested that businesses focus on their current strengths, such as sustainable tourism development and trade promotion through international fairs.

Delegates at the conference also witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding on cooperation between the Hanoi Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Center and ABVietnam-France and other agreements between businesses. In addition, the Hanoi delegation visited exhibition halls showcasing products and promoting culture and tourism in Hanoi.

Before concluding the trip in France, the Hanoi delegation visited the Vietnamese Embassy in France.

The Hanoi delegation and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in France.