Da Nang City Increases Collaboration with Italy

Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh (fourth, right), Italian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Enrico Padula (fourth, left) and members of the delegation posing for a group photo. Photo: Kim Phuong/danang.gov.vn

The People’s Committee of Da Nang was delighted to welcome Enrico Padula, the Consul General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City, to their city recently. Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh hosted a reception in his honor, according to an article in Da Nang Today.

The Vice Chairman of the city, Minh, informed his Italian guest Enrico Padula about the socio-economic accomplishments and growth direction of the city. Taking advantage of the chance, he asked Padula to help strengthen the friendly and cooperative ties with Italian partners in a variety of areas, particularly in tourism and port development.

He noted that 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic relations between the two countries (March 23, 1973 – 2023), as well as the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership.

The esteemed Italian diplomat declared that the Consulate General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City is planning to host various cultural exchange events in Da Nang to further strengthen the Vietnam – Italy relationship.

He added that cultural exchange activities will be even more meaningful when the much-anticipated Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2023 brings back the Italian fireworks team.

The Consul General Enrico Padula graciously thanked and accepted the invitation to the 2023 Doha International Film Festival (DIFF) extended by the city leader.

He hoped that the much-anticipated festival would open up a plethora of collaboration possibilities in services and trading between Italy and Vietnam, particularly Da Nang.

Padula pledged to strengthen cultural and educational ties with Da Nang in the near future, doing all he can to foster a cooperative relationship.

The People’s Council of Da Nang City recently approved a resolution on the Da Nang City Master Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050. This plan is set to be submitted to the government for approval, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in March.

Accordingly, by 2030, the city expects to achieve an average annual economic growth rate of 9.5-10% and a gross regional domestic product (GRDP) per capita of about VND 200-220 million (USD 8,500 – 9,350) per person.

By 2030, the city’s economic development will focus on three key pillars: tourism, a knowledge-based economy, and a service center. These three areas will be the focus of the city’s growth in the next decade, and will help to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future.

Iconic bridges across the Han River in Da Nang in central Vietnam, are lit up at night. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Sanh Quoc Huy

Under the master plan, the city has the goal of increasing annual budget revenue by 9-11%, as well as investing 11-12% of total capital for social development.

The city aims to mobilize around VND 800 trillion in investment capital for social development between 2021 and 2030.

Its population is projected to expand by an average of 2.9% annually over the coming years, and is estimated to reach around 1.56 million by 2030.

Each year, approximately 32,000 to 35,000 job opportunities will be generated in the city. Moreover, the city’s aim is to maintain the unemployment rate below 5%, and 66% of the total workforce will comprise of trained personnel.