Ha Noi fosters stronger ties with AFD in sustainable urban development

The Chairman expressed his appreciation for AFD's role and practical contributions to the city's development over the years, adding that through bilateral cooperation mechanisms and strong support from the French Government, AFD has become a trusted partner, helping Ha Noi implement a range of key programs and projects.

The most prominent project in the cooperation portfolio is Metro Line 3 (Nhon – Ha Noi Station). The project is not merely a piece of transport infrastructure, but is also regarded as a meaningful symbol of Viet Nam–France cooperation.

In addition, the Technical Cooperation Project for "Improvement of public transport in Ha Noi city (Moov'Hanoi), together with programs supporting public transport development and air-quality improvement, has contributed to transforming the city's urban landscape and advancing a greener and more sustainable transport system.

This support has laid an important foundation for Ha Noi to address congestion and environmental pollution, which have long been major challenges for the special-class city, noted Vu.

Regarding the city's development orientations, the Chairman said, Ha Noi is entering a promising new phase of development, but one that also presents many challenges. In particular, following the approval of the Capital Master Plan with a 100-year vision, the city faces urgent requirements to upgrade its transport infrastructure in a synchronized manner, comprehensively improve the quality of the living environment, and enhance air quality for residents.

In pursuit of these ambitious goals, Ha Noi remains open to proposals and seeks to continue receiving cooperation initiatives from capable and experienced international partners, including AFD.

Seillan, for his part, expressed his satisfaction with the active and effective coordination of Ha Noi's departments and agencies in implementing projects in recent years.

France attaches particular importance to the Capital Master Plan with its 100-year vision, he asserted, pledging that France would continue to stand alongside Ha Noi in realizing its goals of modern and sustainable development while preserving the city's distinctive identity.

Public transport and heritage conservation given priorities

Seillan affirmed that AFD is working closely with Ha Noi to complete the remaining components of Metro Line 3, ensuring that the project can be brought into full operation as soon as possible.

Another important issue of particular interest to both sides was the Long Bien Bridge renovation project. According to Seillan, initial technical studies have been carried out systematically, providing a solid basis for developing a specific implementation roadmap and identifying the financial resources needed for the project.

Meanwhile, Vu, for his side, affirmed that the city would actively address all difficulties and obstacles so that Metro Line 3 can soon realize its full potential. About Long Bien Bridge, the Chairman emphasized that the bridge is not simply a piece of transport infrastructure, but also a unique historical and cultural heritage site bearing a strong French imprint in Ha Noi.

Within the vision for developing the Red River landscape corridor, Long Bien Bridge will serve as a central focal point, shared Vu, adding that the capital city vowed to continue working with the French side to identify the optimal approach to preserving and renovating the bridge—not only to safeguard its historical value, but also to transform it into a vibrant symbol of cultural connection between the two nations.

Alongside infrastructure and heritage, improving air quality is one of Ha Noi's top priorities for the coming period, told the Chairman.

Ha Noi is piloting a low-emission zone to reduce pollution, he said, expressing his hope that AFD will continue to support the city by sharing its experience and providing technical assistance in this field, helping the capital achieve its goal of becoming a green city.

There remains considerable potential for further cooperation between Ha Noi and its French partners, told Vu, adding that AFD's continued partnership in urban transport, heritage conservation, and environmental protection will not only support Ha Noi's sustainable development but also contribute to further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations in the new era./.