Hanoi (VNA) – Constructionof another AEON mall started in Hanoi’s Ha Dong district on March 11 in thepresence of Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung.

The complex, covering nearly 98,000 squaremetres of land in Duong Noi ward, is scheduled to operate in 2019. It will haveone basement and three floors, with a combined floor area of nearly 150,000square metres, being able to accommodate 200 shops, including an AEON supermarket.

Addressing the ceremony, Akio Yoshida, Directorof the AEONMall Company, highlighted the significance of the project to hiscompany, pledging that his company will bring its expertise, experience,passion and dedication to contribute to the community’s development.

Ha Dong AEON Mall, with the vision of “Making thefuture for Ha Dong district”, is expected to become the biggest trade centre inthe area, he said.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Kunio Umeda said thatthe project will contribute to not only improving the living standards forlocal resident but also promoting the cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.

Japan wants to cooperate with Vietnameseorganisations and individuals, thus strengthening the Japan – Vietnam comprehensivepartnership, he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of themunicipal People’s Committee Nguyen Doan Toan said the year 2018 marks the 45th anniversary of the Vietnam – Japan diplomatic ties, a milestone in thecooperation and friendship of the two nations.

Currently, Japan is the second biggest foreigninvestor in Hanoi, with 959 projects, worth around 5.38 billion USD; and thethird biggest trade partner of the city with the two-way trade value reachingnearly 4 billion USD.

The building of Ha Dong AEON Mall proves thecity’s sound policy on mobilising and facilitating foreign resources for tradeinfrastructure development.

The facility is expected to become an attractiveshopping and recreational destination for Hanoi people, and contribute toboosting socio-economic development of the west area of Hanoi, Toan said.

Ha Dong AEON Mall is the second trade centreinvested by the Japanese AEONMall Company in Hanoi, following the first one inLong Bien district. It is the fifth of its kind nationwide.-VNA