ASIAD hosting targets multiple objectives
(VOV) - Vietnam’s 2019 Asian Games hosting campaign will target multiple objectives, including the major priority of raising the country’s profile in the international arena.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh made the affirmation at an online dialogue with the citizens in Hanoi on December 2.
“We will have the chance to introduce international friends to a dynamic economy that has made tremendous achievements during the Doi Moi (Renewal) process.
“This is also a good chance for Hanoi and other provinces and cities serving as venues for competitions to improve their urban planning and socio-economic development.
“Hosting such a prestigious sporting event will help Vietnam raise its international sporting profile, build new facilities, and realize its sports and physical training development strategy till 2020.”
According to Anh, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will draw up detailed plans for organizing the event, spanning the establishment of steering committees, athlete training, facility construction, fundraising, and advertising.
The minister responded to the citizens’ concerns about the use of estimated US$150 million (VND3,000 billion) to be spent on the event, saying the amount is reasonable given the steady growth of the national economy and contained inflation.
“We have weighed up the pros and cons of hosting, taking into account Vietnam’s development at present and plans for the future, and especially the country’s goal to become a modern industrial nation by 2020,” said Anh.
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Following its fact-finding tour of Vietnam in October, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) reported that Vietnam would not have to build new facilities as its current infrastructure meets 80-85 percent of the event’s predicted demands.
The country is expected to earmark VND568 billion for upgrading and repairing the existing facilities, VND2,000 billion for building new facilities, and more than VND1,000 billion for organization work.
The minister vowed the funding taken from the State budget and other sources will be used efficiently under the strict supervision of relevant agencies and people.
The upcoming ASIAD 18 comprises 35 different sports and Vietnam aims to bring home 10-15 gold medals from the event.