Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo Corp. have selected five firms from the Far East nation as partners to implement a smart city project in Dong Anh district of Hanoi in order to fully tap into the strengths of these enterprises, including their infrastructure, technology, and experience. 

Illustrative image (Photo: Nikkei.com)

The chosen businesses include NEC Corp., TEPCO Power Grid, NTT Communications, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering, and advertising agency Hakuhodo.

This comes after Japanese publication Nikkei Asia reported that Sumitomo intends to establish a joint venture with these five companies during the second half of 2021 as a means of implementing this ambitious project.

In line with the plan, TEPCO Power Grid and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering are reported to be responsible for building necessary infrastructure to ensure power supply, whilst also allowing a supply-demand balance.

Furthermore, NTT Communications and NEC will be in charge of activities relating to the telecommunication systems, the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT), and use of security technologies such as facial recognition. In addition, Hakuhodo is likely to be responsible for developing relevant services for apartment residents.

Sumitomo Corp. is in the process of co-operating with BRG Group to implement the smart city project which is set to cover an area of ​​approximately 270 hectares in Dong Anh district.

According to Nikkei Asia, with total investment capital reaching roughly US$4.29 billion, this is considered to be the largest smart city project taken on by a Japanese company throughout all of Southeast Asia.

The initial phase of the project is expected to begin in 2021, while the building time expected to take between 10 years and 15 years to complete, with Sumitomo Corp. and BRG Group securing the rights to run the city for the subsequent 50 years.