This is part of a cooperation project to build the “two corridors, one economic belt” between Vietnam and China with the aim of boosting trade throughout the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Europe.

The Vietnam-China trade and economic cooperation programme has been carried out in line with the principles of ensuring independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and mutual benefits.

The aim is to raise average GDP growth by 1.2-1.4 fold and increase the total import-export turnover via the economic corridor by more than 20 percent annually to reach about US$2 billion by 2010, US$4.5-5 billion in 2015 and by over US$10 billion by 2020.

Under the plan, Hanoi will be developed into an international capital city and a big economic hub in the Nanning-Lang Son-Hanoi-Hai Phong economic corridor. A six-lane highway will also be built from Hanoi to Huu Nghi Quan (Friendship) border gate in Lang Son province at a total estimated cost of US$1.4 billion.