Hanoi has pledged to extend its support to the construction of the new US Embassy compound in the city.

Secretary of the Hanoi’s Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung and US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Evans Knapper at the meeting on Mar 15. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

The assistance to speed up the construction process of the new site will be made soon, Secretary of the Hanoi’s Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung told US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Evans Knapper on March 15.

The issue was touched upon at a meeting to discuss ways the US Embassy can work with Hanoi to ensure a smooth and safe reopening process after the lifting of Covid restrictions, according to the US Embassy in Hanoi.

The new embassy campus will cover 3.2 ha (8 acres) in Cau Giay district, symbolizing the enduring relationship between Vietnam and the US as described by US Vice President Kamala Harris in her visit to Vietnam in August 2021.

The building, designed to be “a symbol of cooperation, friendship, and progress for many years to come”, will cost an estimated US$1.2 billion.

Since the signing of the 99-year land lease contract in August 2021, ground-breaking time has not been specified yet.

Secretary of the Hanoi’s Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung (C) at the meeting.

At the meeting, Dinh Tien Dung said Hanoi expects to draw more foreign investment, including inflows from the US. The city will also continue cooperating with US cities (Los Angeles among them) to deepen the ties for further investment and trade links.

Meanwhile, Marc Evans Knapper expressed the US support to draw American visitors and investors to Vietnam, adding that the US treasures cooperation in climate adaptation and renewable energy.

Concerning the reopening of schools, Knapper said the US would like to share experience and support Hanoi in the issue.

On this occasion, Knapper expected Hanoi to extend the land lease contract for Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, an iconic award-winning luxury in the heart of the city. The French colonial-style historic luxury hotel opened in 1901 became the world’s first Sofitel Legend hotel, the collection of heritage addresses located in culturally-rich destinations around the world.

According to Dinh Tien Dung, Hanoi has lured US$316.9 million from US investors and it expects to get more investment, mostly in three sectors namely health, education, and culture that the city focuses on. 

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Evans Knapper at the event.