World Bank expert expresses Hanoi love with new book launch

“For the love of Hanoi” shares the author’s perspective on how heritage conservation fully blends with economic development, and how cities can prosper while retaining their unique identity.

Rama, a Uruguayan, was the World Bank’s lead economist for Vietnam for over eight years until 2010, overseeing the World Bank program in economic policy and poverty reduction. He was based in a Hanoi and developed a strong relationship with the city during this time.

His book “Hanoi Promenade” released in 2014 reflects on what makes the city special.

He is also the author of the report “Making Difficult Choices: Vietnam in Transition,” published in 2008 based on a year of conversations with Vietnam’s main reformer, late Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet.

“For the love of Hanoi” will be Rama’s second book about Vietnam’s capital city.

Translated into Vietnamese by poet Nguyen Bang Ngoc and illustrated by Dang Viet Loc, it will be published by the Vietnam Media and Books Company and will be released on Saturday.

A book launch event will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Arts and Culture Center at 22 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Rama will spend an hour in the morning talking with readers and the media at the event.

The English edition is set to be released later this year, he said.