PM wants new international airport built in Red River Delta

Chairing a meeting held to discuss development of the region on Thursday, he pointed out that the northern part of the delta has three international airports in Hanoi, Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City and more are necessary for the south.

In July the Ministry of Transport announced the airport construction agenda for until 2030.

By that year the country will have the same 14 international airports it has now and 16 domestic ones.

By 2050 the number will go up to 33 though with the number of international airports still remaining unchanged. Hai Phong’s Cat Bi Airport will be replaced by Hai Phong Airport.

A new domestic airport will be built in the Hanoi Metropolitan Area consisting of the capital and nine neighboring provinces to ease pressure on Noi Bai airport.

The government has set a 9% annual economic growth target through this decade for the delta.

Industry and construction will remain the key sectors, accounting for 47% and 41% of the growth.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said last November at a conference that the Red River Delta has always been of strategic importance in terms of politics, economy, culture, society, and security.

It is a gateway for Vietnam and other ASEAN members to trade with China, but its socio-economic development is not commensurate with its potential, he said.

It accounts for 6.4% of Vietnam's total area, and its population of 23 million for 24%.

Its per capita income is 30% higher than the national average.