On the morning of August 30, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Dong Anh District, Hanoi.

The project, funded by Vingroup, marks a significant milestone in celebrating the 79th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2024) and the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Hanoi (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2024).

The ceremony also saw the presence of Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung and Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh.

This project is a key national initiative in the commercial services sector and is set to replace the old exhibition center in Giang Vo Street, Hanoi.

Nguyen Viet Quang, CEO of Vingroup, stated that the National Exhibition and Convention Center will cover an area of 90 hectares, placing it among the top 10 largest exhibition centers globally in terms of both total area and exhibition space. The complex will feature several unique aspects compared to existing exhibition venues in Vietnam.

Strategically located at the northeastern gateway of Hanoi, the project is at the crossroads of key transportation networks, including roadways, air routes, and a planned metro line.

The centerpiece of the project is an indoor exhibition space symbolized by the figure of the Golden Turtle, a significant cultural icon. The exhibition space, designed under the sturdy shell of the Golden Turtle, will be divided into nine sections, each covering over 10,000 square meters, with a central hall spanning more than 7,000 square meters.

Supporting the indoor exhibition space are modern functional facilities designed to accommodate exhibitions across various industries. The exhibition center is surrounded by water features and greenery, complemented by four outdoor exhibition parks covering 20.6 hectares.

Upon completion, the National Exhibition and Convention Center is expected to rank second in the world and first in Asia for outdoor exhibition space.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung expressed confidence that Vingroup, with its extensive experience and successful business ventures, would ensure the project is completed on schedule. The center is anticipated to become a symbol of Vietnam's major national celebrations in 2025 and a highlight for the upcoming 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Tran Sy Thanh affirmed that the city would continue to support the project's swift implementation to ensure the center becomes operational as soon as possible.

Additionally, Hanoi will accelerate the development of urban transportation infrastructure, including bridges across the Red River such as Tu Lien Bridge, the northern section of Ring Road 3, Ring Road 4 surrounding the capital, and related urban railway lines. These efforts aim to seamlessly connect the National Exhibition and Convention Center with surrounding areas, maximizing the project's value and contributing to the capital's socio-economic development.

Vingroup envisions this center as the catalyst for a vibrant exhibition economy, akin to successful models in Dubai (UAE), Frankfurt (Germany), and Fiera Milano (Italy). The project is also expected to enhance Vietnam's global profile and attract international attention to the country.

“With its world-class scale, cutting-edge design, and rich cultural identity, the National Exhibition and Convention Center will become a ‘new wonder’ and an ‘international city’ within the heart of Hanoi,” Vingroup’s CEO remarked.

Hong Khanh