Hanoi is an important agricultural and manufacturing center. Rice has been cultivated in the area for more than 2000 years; vegetables are also grown nearby. Manufactures include machinery, processed food, chemicals, and textiles. Hanoi is the major transportation center for the north, with roads and railway lines providing links to all other major Vietnamese cities. The city's Noi Bai Airport is the country's northern hub for international air connections. Unlike most capital cities in Southeast Asia, Hanoi is not a significant international port.
