Hanoi broke ground on August 30 for a world-class National Exhibition and Convention Center in Dong Anh District, an emerging urban center in the capital.

Invested by Vingroup, one of Vietnam's leading conglomerates, the National Exhibition and Convention Center is considered a key project in the commercial services sector and will replace the old exhibition center in downtown Hanoi.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (sixth from left) attends the groundbreaking ceremony of the National Exhibition Center. Photos: Trung Kien/The Hanoi Times

The new facility, which spans 90 hectares and is only a short drive from Noi Bai International Airport and downtown, is anticipated to serve as a site for international trade shows and fairs.

Vingroup expects the upcoming exhibition center to be at par with those in Frankfurt, Milan and Dubai, facilitating trade and business links between local and international companies.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh said the city has focused on improving urban and transportation infrastructure systems and facilitating procedures for the construction of the exhibition center.

"The project is located at Hanoi's northeastern gateway, the hub of major transportation arteries with roads, airports and metro lines," Thanh said.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh delivers a speech at the event.

Thanh emphasized that the city will invest in transportation infrastructure, including the Tu Lien Bridge, the northern section of Ring Road 3, and metro lines to facilitate access to the exhibition center from other areas of Hanoi.

He urged Vingroup to comply with technical procedures and ensure compliance with labor, transportation, and environmental safety regulations.

The mayor also promised that the city would support the investor in implementing the project so that it can be put into operation as soon as possible.

The indoor exhibition center will be surrounded by four outdoor exhibition parks covering 20.6 hectares, suitable for large-scale outdoor events.

The southeastern part of the center will include commercial services, a hotel complex and 5-star high-rise office buildings, creating a prestigious image for the entire complex.

Among the project's many notable features is its well-connected location at the northeastern entrance to Hanoi. Modern transportation networks, including the upcoming metro line that will connect the eastern part of the city to Dong Anh District, make it easy for both domestic and foreign tourists to reach the center.

At the groundbreaking ceremony.