Published:  00:00 Monday - December 08, 2008

The ancient city of Hoi An in Central Quang Nam province needs an estimated VND1.1 trillion to preserve and develop its cultural heritage value in the 2009-2020 period, according to a project designed by the Central Branch of the Institute of Building Science and Technology.

The project will be submitted to the Government for approval.

Hoi An is a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century.

Over recent years, the city has become a very popular tourist destination with its buildings and street plan reflecting the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site in Vietnam.

It was declared as world cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 1999.