Hanoi shares economic development with Africa

Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi stands ready to share experience with African experts in economic development, new style rural area building, social welfare and poverty alleviation, among others, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung has said.

Receiving former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, and a group of senior researchers from Africa in Hanoi on May 2, Chung highlighted the capital city’s socio-economic development after 30 years of Doi moi (reform), with income per capita rising from 200 USD to 5,100 USD.

The city has recorded average 7.34 percent growth in gross regional domestic product (GRDP) in recent ten years, he said, adding that due attention has been paid to foreign relations, politics, as well as trade, economic and cultural activities.

Stating the locality’s challenges during the development process, including environmental pollution, traffic congestion, and preservation of cultural heritages, Chung said that Hanoi is currently prioritising three breakthrough measures, namely speeding up administrative reforms, promoting high-quality human resources training, and developing transport infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Olusegun Obasanjo said that he wants to study and consult Vietnam about the socio-economic development model in the country and Hanoi in particular.

Earlier, the African delegation, led by head of the Brenthurst Foundation Dr Gregory John Barrington Mills, met with former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan, who shared Vietnam’s socio-economic development in the past as well as the nation’s potential and prospects.

This is part of the delegation’s trip to China, Malaysia and Vietnam to complete the book “Can Africa Be the Next Asia” funded by South Africa’s Brenthurst Foundation.-VNA