‘Lightning-Fast’ Construction: How Hanoi’s Mega Project is Set to Become a Global Trading Hub

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh Inspects the National Exhibition Center Project

On the morning of May 19, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspected the construction progress of the National Exhibition Center in Dong Anh district, Hanoi, and directed that the construction progress be accelerated to complete the project in time for the National Exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – August 19, 2025) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025)

During the inspection, the Prime Minister expressed his delight at the urgent working spirit and bustling construction atmosphere at the site. He acknowledged and highly appreciated the coordinated efforts between ministries, the city government, and Vingroup.

Just over eight months after the groundbreaking ceremony, a large-scale exhibition center with international standards has taken shape and entered the completion phase, in line with the committed timeline. The remaining items, such as the roof system, outdoor glass doors, main exhibition area, electrical and mechanical systems, and auxiliary works, are being urgently constructed to meet the goal of serving the special exhibition for the National Day celebrations.

During a direct working session at the site with representatives of ministries, sectors, and related units, the Prime Minister once again emphasized the need to intensify the construction of all items to ensure the completion of the Center on time for the national-level event in August and September 2025.

In addition to completing the main construction works, it is necessary to synchronously implement auxiliary infrastructure items and accompanying utility services, maximizing the utilization of the Center’s space and effectively connecting with modern infrastructure systems for transportation, electricity, water, and telecommunications; while ensuring the surrounding landscape and environment.

According to the Prime Minister’s directions, the entire project must be basically completed by the end of July 2025. He assigned Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh to directly oversee and direct the project’s implementation. At the same time, he requested the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to develop a plan for organizing the Exhibition. This plan should mobilize the full participation of ministries, sectors, and localities, combining cultural and artistic programs and large-scale performances, aiming to make it the inaugural event for a series of future national cultural activities.

Moreover, the Prime Minister agreed in principle to apply special mechanisms and policies for the National Exhibition Center. He suggested hiring international experts or consulting units with experience in organizing major events, while Vietnam should also proactively build a team to acquire new technology and knowledge. Emphasizing the spirit of determination, the Prime Minister affirmed: “We only discuss how to do it, not whether to do it; if we make a promise, we must keep it; if we commit, we must fulfill it; if we implement, we must have concrete results and clear outputs.”

National Exhibition Center – Hanoi’s New “Wonder”

Started in late August 2024, the Center covers a total area of 90 hectares, ranking it among the top 10 largest exhibition centers globally. Once completed, it is expected to be on par with major trade hubs such as Frankfurt Messe (Germany) or Dubai Expo (UAE), becoming a center for trade promotion, business connectivity, and strategic service industries.

The main exhibition space consists of nine indoor exhibition areas, each spanning over 10,000 square meters, connected by a 7,000-square-meter central hall capable of hosting international-level events, conferences, and multi-industry exhibitions.

Located at the northeastern gateway to the capital, the Center sits at the intersection of vital transportation axes: road, urban rail (metro), and air. This location not only enhances accessibility for visitors and investors but also contributes to forming a new growth pole for the entire area north of the Red River.

Impressing not only with its scale but also its focus on green and water spaces, the Center is surrounded by a system of greenery, water bodies, and open spaces, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and nature, serving outdoor activities and providing cultural experiences for visitors.

Notably, the project features four outdoor exhibition parks, spanning 20.6 hectares, the largest in Asia and second-largest in the world, accommodating diverse activities such as festivals, art performances, cultural tourism, and national and international events.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directed that, in the long run, the National Exhibition Center in the land of Co Loa, the hometown of the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, should become a new wonder of Hanoi and the country in terms of scale, culture, architecture, structure, landscape environment, and governance, reflecting national stature and befitting the country’s historical and cultural traditions, especially showcasing the nation’s achievements after 40 years of renewal. It should be a center of culture, arts, tourism, and services, a hub for the development of cultural industries and entertainment…

The Center should be developed into a regional and global-level exhibition and fair hub, through which people can enjoy the fruits of development and cultural and artistic values of the country and the world; a place where the civilization of humanity is integrated into our nation and where our national essence is internationalized and shared with the world.

Hanoi, Vietnam: Emerging as a Global Trade Hub

Hanoi is reshaping its urban and economic development map as the development axis in the region north of the Red River becomes more defined. In this strategy, the National Exhibition Center in Dong Anh district stands out as a “mega-project” with a catalytic role, not only repositioning the region north of the Red River but also offering a breakthrough direction for the development of Hanoi and Vietnam.

With Hanoi’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism sector yet to reach its full potential, the National Exhibition Center emerges as a powerful catalyst. With its international-standard infrastructure and modern design, the Center can host large-scale regional and global events, becoming a frequent destination for entrepreneurs, experts, and domestic and international visitors.

Beyond serving as an exhibition space, the Center is also a driving force for the entire tourism service value chain, from hotels, cuisine, and shopping to transportation, generating thousands of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for local people.

The Center is expected not only to be a showcase venue but also to shape a modern “exhibition economy,” where Vietnamese enterprises can promote their products, connect with partners, access new technologies, and expand their international reach. This model has been the key to the success of cities like Dubai with Dubai Expo and Frankfurt with Messe Frankfurt.

Once operational, the Center will become a focal point for trade promotion, integration, and investment activities, putting Hanoi on the map of cities capable of hosting international trade events.

Coupled with strong commitments from authorities, especially in accelerating key infrastructure projects such as Tu Lien Bridge, Ring Road, and Metro, connectivity will be enhanced, increasing profitability for the area and attracting domestic and foreign investors.

Expected to be completed by July 2025, the National Exhibition Center in Dong Anh district is not just a large-scale project but also a representation of Vietnam’s aspiration for breakthrough development. It marks the beginning of a comprehensive development strategy for both sides of the Red River, igniting growth momentum for multiple economic sectors and reshaping Hanoi’s position on the regional and global maps.

A dynamic and modern Hanoi, a global trade hub, starts here.

Thai Ha