Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh on April 19 signed off decision No.492 to start the process of drafting the planning for the Red River Delta in the 2021-2030 period, with a vision for 2050.

The region is seen as the cradle of Vietnam’s wet rice cultivation. Photo: The Hanoi Times

The Red River Delta covers the jurisdiction of the major cities of Hanoi and Haiphong, and nine other provinces, including Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Quang Ninh, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Thai Binh, Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh.

The scope of the planning would be extended to neighboring regions, which are interconnected with the Red River Delta in terms of economy, social-cultural aspects, defense, security, provincial linkage, and international cooperation, stated the decision.

Under the decision, the delta is a key component for the overall country development, in which the approach in the planning process would be to address issues for the long-term development of the region.

The Government requested the planning to make a comprehensive assessment of the natural characteristics and advantages of the region, along with opportunities, weaknesses, and challenges in the development process.

In addition, the planning should be able to map out different growth scenarios and needs for development from economic, social, and environmental perspectives.

The Red River Delta is the second-largest delta region in Vietnam behind the Mekong Delta, with a natural area of 1.5 million hectares, accounting for 4.5% of the country’s area, of which agricultural lands make up 0.86 million hectares or 9.2%.

The region is seen as the cradle of Vietnam’s wet rice cultivation and today it still holds a key role in socio-economic development.