Individuals and organizations
contributed nearly VND1 trillion ($500 million) to Hanoi’s 1000^th
anniversary, announced the city authorities on December 25.

The final figure will be higher because many free services
offered by businesses have not been counted yet. For example, Mai Linh Corp
provided free transportation services for 1000 heroic mothers and labor heroes
throughout the country to attend the great anniversary in Hanoi.

The top corporate donor for the anniversary was the Vietnam
Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) with VND140 billion to build the Kim Dong
Cinema. Vu Quang Huy from Thai Binh province is the leading individual donor
with VND20 billion to build the Hung Long pagoda.

Interserco is also a notable donor with more than VND40
billion for the art performance and fireworks show on April 30 and October 10.

In early December, Hanoi announced it spent nearly VND266
billion (US$13.25
million) for cultural
activities, logistics and gifts during the anniversary.

Specifically, the city paid VND250 billion for mass media
programs and cultural events, nearly VND1.4 billion less than the initial plan;
VND7.6 billion for the welcoming ceremony, VND2.4 billion less than estimated;
and VND8.2 billion for gifts, VND1 billion lower than plan.

However, this was not the entire itemization, only the
expenditures within the 10-day celebration, which was specifically for mass
media activities, gifts and cultural events, not the total investment in
infrastructure projects to celebrate the anniversary.

At the year-end National Assembly session in November,
Minister of Finance Vu Van Ninh said that the ministry spent more than VND200
billion ($20 million) from the state budget for Hanoi’s 1000th anniversary.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh also
said that his ministry spent VND88 billion dong ($4.4 million) for festivals,
including Hanoi’s 1000th anniversary.

PV