Speaking at the event, Yukihito Honda, general manager of the infrastructure business unit at Sumitomo Corporation, said, "North Hanoi Smart City is positioned as a critical project for Sumitomo Corporation. Along with our strategic partner, BRG Group, we hope to turn the world-class urban area into reality to usher in a new era of the ASEAN region."

"As 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties, our consortium is committed to making united efforts to realise the dream of an urban area where a community lives harmoniously in a modern, green space with many amenities and the most modern technology. The smart city will be a place where people and businesses can together create values for themselves and society. It is also expected to become a sustainable symbol of Vietnam-Japan friendship."

Nguyen Thi Nga, chairwoman of BRG Group, vice president, and general director of NHSC, said, "As a businesswoman and outstanding citizen of the capital city, I have always nurtured a desire for the Hanoian people to enjoy the best things in the world, right in their thousand-year-old homeland."

"This will be a long road that may last several years. However, we have a vision of a modern, high-class, beautiful smart city aiming for green growth. The city is where people thrive together sustainably over many generations. We need enthusiasm, effort, and determination to complete each milestone on that journey together.”

The project symbolises the strong friendship between Vietnam and Japan and the peoples of these two countries. At the same time, the project ushers in a new phase of smart city development with the goal of accelerating urbanisation, developing sustainable urban area networks, and forming a number of smart urban centres.

By 2045, Vietnam is expected to build at least five urban areas of international stature, serving as a focal point for connection and development with regional and international networks.

North Hanoi Smart City is located at the heart of the Nhat Tan-Noi Bai route on both sides, the gateway to connecting Vietnam with the world. The project has a total estimated investment of nearly $4.2 billion, spanning nearly 272 ha in Hai Boi, Vinh Ngoc, and Kim No communes, Dong Anh district.

North Hanoi Smart City will apply the state-of-the-art technologies of the world's 4.0 industrial revolution. To create a sustainable city model, the project will combine green living and modern technology applications to create a sustainable community for residents.

The project is built on four core values: "Future, Connected, Clean, and Safe". The city will also adopt a new generation service system with six smart solutions, including smart energy, smart mobility, smart management, smart living, smart healthcare and education, and smart economy.

At the event, NHSC also donated VND1 billion ($41,000) to build 20 great solidarity houses in Dong Anh district.

Previously, at the ceremony to announce the North Hanoi Smart City project held in October 2019, NHSC also donated VND500 million to the "For the Poor" Fund of Dong Anh district and VND500 million to the Hanoi Children's Fund.