Vietnam's National Assembly on August 24 unanimously approved resolutions establishing Quang Ninh City and Bac Ninh City, with all lawmakers voting in favour.
All National Assembly deputies taking part in the vote back the elevation of Quang Ninh to city status (Photo: Media QH).
Under the resolution, Quang Ninh City will be formed from the entire natural area and population of the current Quang Ninh Province. The new city will border Haiphong, Bac Ninh, Lang Son, China and the East Sea. The resolution will take effect on September 1.
Bac Ninh City will likewise be established on the basis of the entire natural area and population of the current Bac Ninh Province. The city will border Hanoi, Haiphong, Quang Ninh, Hung Yen, Lang Son and Thai Nguyen. The resolution establishing Bac Ninh City will take effect on September 20.
Responding to recommendations from National Assembly deputies regarding future development, the government said it would direct both localities to transform their growth models by integrating economic development with environmental protection and making science, technology and innovation the primary drivers of growth.
Both cities are expected to focus on developing modern industry, high technology and artificial intelligence, while integrating more deeply into global supply chains and becoming major growth centres for their regions and the country.
Quang Ninh is envisioned as a modern, green and smart coastal city with international competitiveness, serving as a centre for the marine economy, tourism and services, while also maintaining its strategic role in national defence and security.
Authorities said future development must be closely linked to the preservation of Ha Long Bay, coastal and island landscapes, natural ecosystems, the historical heritage of the mining region and the cultural traditions of coastal, mountainous and border communities.
Bac Ninh, meanwhile, is expected to develop into a high-tech industrial city driven by innovation, sustainability and smart urban development while preserving the cultural identity of the Kinh Bac region.
The city will continue to protect its network of historical sites, traditional festivals, craft villages and Quan Ho folk singing heritage, while promoting distinctive cultural tourism products.