The region includes Ha Noi and nine provinces of Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Ha Nam, Hoa Binh, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, Bac Giang, with total area of 24,314.7 km2 and a total population of some 17 million by 2010.

Relevant agencies are tasked to appraise the planning of the capital region construction, including such items as, industrial parks, hi-tech zones, key industrial regions, and regional tourism space. They are also supposed to make forecast about economic growth, society, population, labor, urbanization, and economic structure changes.

Specialized urban areas will be planned in association with training and hi-tech centers (Hoa Lac, Yen Binh), industrial centers (Pho Noi, Dong Van), tourism centers (Son Tay, Thanh Thuy, Sao Do-Chi Linh, Tam Dao, Luong Son, Quan Son, Nui Coc Lake), trade service, house development centers (Me Linh, Van Giang, Tu Son).

Regarding intra-regional transport, the capital region is expected to have an improved public transport network, with urban rails, rapid buses, and international airport system.

Besides, social infrastructure (education and healthcare centers) will be developed in provinces around Ha Noi to reduce heavy burdens for the capital city.

The Ministry of Construction has been assigned to do the planning scheme, appraise and submit it for appoval within 12 months.

Source: VGP