NA deputies on May 29 adopted a resolution on the expansion of the boundaries in Hanoi and a number of nearby provinces.

On behalf of the Government, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung presented a report explaining adjustments to administrative boundaries in Hanoi and some provinces.

After the resolution is approved, the Government will coordinate with the Party, State’s authorized agencies and relevant provinces and cities to make thorough preparations for building a new leadership apparatus for Hanoi. They will devise a plan for socio-economic development as well as a State budget for the new Hanoi in 2009 for submission to the NA at its year-end session.

Regarding costs for the Hanoi expansion project, the PM affirmed that the costs for merging agencies in Hanoi and Ha Tay would not rise to as much as it was in previous years.

The Government will adjust the 2008 State budget estimates for Hanoi and relevant provinces in line with the new administrative boundaries.

Also the 2009 budget for the new Hanoi, the Government will consider and submit to the NA session at the end of this year under the Budget Law.

After the adjustments to administrative boundaries are made, Hanoi will cover 334.470.02 hectares of natural land with a total population of more than 6 million.

Provinces bordering Hanoi will be Thai Nguyen and Vinh Phuc to the north, Ha Nam and Hoa Binh to the south, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh and Hung Yen to the east and Hoa Binh and Phu Tho to the west.