Tran Ngoc Chinh, chairman of the committee in charge of selecting the final design, said the 17 proposals came from both domestic and international designers.

One first prize and four second prizes have been nominated after three qualifying rounds, said the committee, adding that the first prize went to a design that represents the Sun and Earth through its square facade and dome.

More than 4,000 visitors have submitted positive reports on the designs with 40 percent of them voting for the design that won the first prize.

After the 13-day show, organised by the Ministry of Construction from September 2, the project management board will make a report on public opinions, together with the results from the committee, to submit to the National Assembly and the Prime Minister for approval.

During his visit to the exhibition on September 9, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung stressed that the final design must be symbolic of the 21st century.

He added that the new facility must be modern and fit into surroundings that include the remains of the former Thang Long Royal Citadel and Ba Dinh Square.

The government leader suggested that the committee continue gathering professional and public opinions, both inside and outside the country, on the proposed designs in order to select the best design.