The capital city of Hanoi currently has 12 commercial centre projects calling for investment from now till 2010.

The projects have drawn interest from investors due to their favourable positions, said the municipal Trade Department, adding that the city expects to see four to eight projects get off the ground late this year.

According to the department, Hanoi also planned to build Bac Song Hong (Northern Red River) commercial centre on an area of 200 ha and attract more investment for the construction of shopping malls and chain stores.

The city now houses three modern trade centres and 43 supermarkets.