A typical footbridge in Vietnam (Illustrative image: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – Vietnam and New Zealand on June 6 announced their joint project to build a pedestrian overcrossing in Ho Chi Minh City to symbolise the relationship between the two countries.
The friendship bridge will be located at Dien Bien Phu Street in Binh Thanh district, connecting the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and the Hong Bang International University on its two sides.
It will be constructed of New Zealand Glulam, a product made of local radiate pine wood that is known for its strength, durability and versatility. Glulam is both lighter and stronger than steel.
New Zealand will offer construction materials, while Vietnam will take care of the bridge foundation.
New Zealand Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce said the project was discussed during the celebration of 40-year diplomatic ties between the two countries in 2015.
It will represent the bilateral links and provide a more convenient and safer route for locals, he noted.
Deputy Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem said his city is proud to be the destination selected for the bridge to be sited.
The municipal authorities vowed to work closely with their New Zealand partners to complete the construction by year’s end.-VNA
