VietNamNet Bridge – Speaking with Hanoi people at a meeting on July 18, Hanoi’s Mayor Nguyen Duc Chung said that since taking office he had become more interested in Hanoi’s trees and green space.


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Recently more than 300 big flamboyant trees were planted on the separation line of many roads in Hanoi, such as Xa Dan, Lang Ha, Dai Co Viet, and Le Duan.

 

"Every day I spend 30-45 minutes to update information about the city’s tree planting program," he said.

The Hanoi Chairman said the City is finalizing the project to develop trees in the next 20 years. Chung confirmed that this was a strategic issue of the capital city.

"I personally conducted research on the Internet and visited Melbourne, which was voted as the world’s most livable city for five consecutive years, and went to Shanghai to participate in the 147th conference of mayors of big cities around the world to see how they plant trees,” Chung said.

According to Chung, the director of the Hanoi Tree Company went to Kunming (China) to study. The Chinese partner has sent six experts to Hanoi to transfer techniques and software on tree trimming and management.

Recently more than 300 big flamboyant trees were planted on the separation line of many roads in Hanoi, such as Xa Dan, Lang Ha, Dai Co Viet, and Le Duan, which caused a controversy in the media. Hanoi Chairman confirmed that the city had carefully researched before planting the tree.

According to Chung, flamboyant trees have beautiful flowers and small leaves, which can be easily swept away in drainage by rainwater.

"The city is going to plant flamboyant trees that blossom all year round, with not only red but purple flowers, which has never been in Vietnam" Chairman Chung said.

One million trees planted in 5 years

Mayor Chung said in the first half of 2016, more than 80,000 trees were planted in the city. This year the city plans to grow 200,000 as part of the plan to plant 1 million trees in five years.

According to Chung, by using new technology in planting and pruning trees, the city will save up to VND600 billion (nearly $30 million). Previously, Hanoi workers could cut and prune 2000-3000 trees a year but thanks to the new techniques, they have cut and pruned more than 80,000 trees since December 2015.

He said Hanoi would plant trees that produce more oxygen and absorb dust rather than ornamental trees.

Chung emphasized that trees would become the city’s assets in the future. He also urged Hanoians to plant flowers on their balconies.

 

Hanoi interested in tree landscaping designs with Singapore

Hanoi is very keen on cooperating with Singapore in tree landscaping designs and tree trimming technology, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung has said.

He made the statement during a meeting with Josephine Teo, Singaporean Senior of State at Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Transport in Hanoi on July 20.

Briefing the guest about the city’s plan to build additional 25 parks to become a city of million trees by 2020, Chung expressed his hope that support and advanced technology from Singapore will allow the city to have new green look and better urban landscapes.

He introduced the city’s urban development projects on building new urban areas, setting up high-tech system in controlling public transport vehicles as well as constructing roads and bridges.

Hanoi is a safe destination for both tourists and investors, Chung noted, pledging to deliver maximal help to foreign investors, including Singaporean businesses.

For her part, the Singaporean official affirmed that her country always supports cooperation projects between two nations and those with Hanoi.

She hoped that Singaporean enterprises will be well-informed about the city’s urban projects and Hanoi authority will adopt favourable policies for Singaporean investors. VNA

Le Ha