Hanoi seeks French assistance in restoring ancient bridge

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen The Thao has suggested France provide technical and financial assistance to Hanoi for the restoration of Long Bien bridge.
At his reception for French Ambassador to Vietnam Jean Noel Poirier on November 28, Thao expressed his wish that France will send experts to help the city repair the centennial bridge in the direction of both keeping its original beauty and ensuring its firmness.
He also said that Hanoi wants to expand investment cooperation with France in various fields, including transport, urban planning, culture and education.
For his part, Jean Noel Poirier suggested Hanoi work out an official document on the implementation of the Long Bien bridge restoration project.
He affirmed that France will create conditions for Hanoi to implement the project at an early date as it not only develops the city’s transport but also promotes the traditional long-lasting cultural values of the two peoples.
Long Bien bridge, spanning the Red River , was built in 1903 by French architect Gustave Eiffel, who 14 years earlier designed the Eiffel tower.
When built, the bridge was called Doumer, after Paul Doumer – the Governor General of French Indochina and later the French President. At that time, it was one of the longest bridges in Asia with a length of 1,682 metres.