Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on May 19 checked on the progress of the construction site of the National Exhibition and Fair Center project in Dong Anh District.

The National Exhibition and Fair Center is a strategic project in the trade and service sector, intended to replace the former exhibition center on Ba Dinh District's Giang Vo Street.

Construction began in late August 2024, with a planned area of 90 hectares, making it one of the ten largest exhibition centers in the world.

The complex is expected to become a new landmark of the capital and a hub for a dynamic "Expo economy," comparable to other global trade centers.

Located at the northeastern gateway of Hanoi, the site sits at the heart of a planned transportation network that includes major roads, air routes, and metro lines.

The indoor exhibition building is the centerpiece of the project, divided into nine zones, each covering more than 10,000 square meters, along with a central hall of over 7,000 square meters.

Supporting the indoor exhibition areas are modern functional facilities designed to accommodate exhibitions across all sectors.

Surrounding the complex are lakes and green spaces, offering a peaceful and refreshing outdoor environment.

Complementing the main exhibition halls are four outdoor exhibition parks, covering a total area of 20.6 hectares, and making them the second largest of their kind in the world and the largest in Asia.

These parks are designed to host large-scale events, exhibitions, festivals, and cultural tourism activities, either individually or simultaneously.

During his visit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed satisfaction with the energetic pace of construction.

He praised the efforts of ministries, agencies, the Hanoi administration, and Vingroup Corporation.

Just eight months after groundbreaking, the large-scale, modern international-standard center has begun to take shape and is on track for completion as scheduled, he said.

Remaining components, including exterior roofing, glass façades, indoor exhibition halls, mechanical and electrical systems, and auxiliary facilities, must be completed in time for the National Exhibition on Socio-Economic Achievements, to be held in celebration of the 80th anniversary of National Day, PM Chinh said.

At a working session held directly on-site with ministries and project stakeholders, the Prime Minister called for accelerated construction to ensure the center is ready in time for the country's major commemorative events: the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – August 19, 2025) and National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025).

Looking ahead, Chinh directed that the center, located in Co Loa – the hometown of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, should be developed as a new symbol of Hanoi and Vietnam.

He emphasized that it must reflect national stature through its scale, culture, architecture, environmental landscape, and management, and highlight the country's achievements after 40 years of renewal.

The prime minister envisioned the center as a leading destination for culture, art, tourism, and services, and a place that fosters the development of the cultural and entertainment industries and serves as a regional and global exhibition hub.

He emphasized that the public should benefit from this space by enjoying both domestic and international cultural and artistic achievements.

The center should be a site where Vietnam embraces the cultural achievements of humanity, and where the nation shares its unique cultural identity with the world, Chinh said.

The Prime Minister instructed that, alongside the main exhibition structures, all supporting facilities, services, and utilities must be completed in a coordinated manner.

Infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water, telecommunications, and other modern systems must be fully integrated, and the environmental landscape must be preserved and enhanced, he added.

PM Chinh also set a deadline for substantial completion of construction by the end of July 2025.

To ensure effective implementation, Prime Minister Chinh assigned Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh to oversee the project.

He tasked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism with establishing a detailed timeline and a clear division of responsibilities, following the principle of "clear assignment of people, tasks, accountability, deadlines, outcomes, and authority."

PM Chinh also requested the ministry to finalize the plan for organizing the National Exhibition on Socio-Economic Achievements for the 80th National Day, ensuring full participation from all ministries, sectors, and localities.

The event should also feature large-scale cultural, artistic, and performance activities, serving as the launch for future major cultural events, he said.

The Prime Minister approved in principle the application of special policies and mechanisms for the National Exhibition Center.

He noted that, if necessary, international consultants with expertise in organizing large-scale events could be hired. At the same time, Vietnam must develop its own teams to absorb knowledge and technology.

He stressed a strong commitment to progress: "Only talk about doing, not stepping back. What has been promised must be delivered. What has been committed must be fulfilled. What has been implemented must yield tangible results and products."