Ninh Binh (VNA) – A delegation of the Republic of Korea (RoK)’s Gyeongju city led by its mayor Joo Nak-Young visited the northern province of Ninh Binh on September 3-4 to boost cooperation between the two localities, especially in preserving and promoting cultural and historical values, as well as developing heritage urban areas in ancient capitals.
During a meeting with the delegation on September 4, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Doan Minh Huan provided an overview of the geographical location, history, potential, strengths, and development orientation of Ninh Binh. It is the only place in Southeast Asia that possesses a mixed heritage site recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage - the Trang An Landscape Complex.
Ninh Binh ranked 12th out of 63 provinces and cities nationwide in terms of growth rate in the first half of 2024. The locality always persists in implementing a development strategy focusing on “green, sustainable, and harmonious growth." It is one of the three largest automobile manufacturing centres in Vietnam, with ambitions to become the biggest hub of this kind in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, Ninh Binh has seen significant development in producing and exporting farm produce and foodstuffs.
Huan expressed his hope that Ninh Binh and Gyeongju will strengthen cooperation in areas such as heritage conservation, and share experience in managing heritage urban areas in ancient capitals - a field where the RoK boasts extensive expertise. They also aim to exchange art troupes serving the organisation of festivals and large-scale art programmes.
He suggested the two sides enhance business connection and tourism promotion activities, calling on Gyeongju to create favourable conditions and establish cooperation programmes, thus intensifying bilateral collaboration.
For his part, Joo remarked that Ninh Binh has beautiful natural landscapes with many attractive tourist destinations.
The two localities share many historical similarities as both were once ancient capitals, he noted, stating that Gyeongju is willing to share its experience in archaeology and cultural heritage preservation with Ninh Binh.
According to the official, Gyeongju also boasts strength in industrial development, particularly in automobile manufacturing as it now is home to 1,300 factories and production facilities supporting the automotive industry. The Korean locality also focuses on high-tech agriculture, with pears and tomatoes as its strengths.
Joo indicated that he will discuss the strengths of Ninh Binh in agricultural processing with the RoK Ambassador to Vietnam, thus helping the Vietnamese locality explore opportunities for exporting farm produce to the RoK./.
