Hanoi, March 5, 2026 – The Europe Today: Phạm Minh Chính on Thursday called on ministries, local authorities and project stakeholders to optimise resources and improve efficiency in implementing major transport infrastructure projects as Vietnam accelerates the expansion of its national expressway network.
Speaking at the 24th meeting of the State Steering Committee for key national projects and major transport works, the prime minister emphasised that the development of strategic infrastructure must adhere to five guiding principles: greening, digitalisation, optimising resources and project efficiency, smart governance, and harmonising the interests of the State, citizens and businesses.
The meeting was held online with 27 provinces and cities hosting major transport projects and attended by Trần Hồng Hà, along with ministers, provincial leaders, and representatives of project management boards, investors and contractors.
Reports presented during the meeting indicated that ministries, agencies and local authorities have been working to implement 28 tasks assigned at the committee’s previous session. Of these, three have been completed on schedule, 22 are currently being implemented, while three remain unfinished.
Authorities have focused on accelerating progress on projects already technically opened to traffic while completing remaining components such as service roads, rest areas, toll stations and vehicle weight control systems.
According to official data, Vietnam has 3,345 kilometres of expressways currently in operation or technical service, while 1,252 kilometres are under construction and around 1,721 kilometres are in the investment preparation stage.
Among the projects under close monitoring is Phase 1 of Long Thành International Airport, along with transport infrastructure being developed to support preparations for APEC 2027. Authorities have also completed procedures required to approve the feasibility study for Gia Bình Airport.
Despite the recent Lunar New Year holiday period, investors and contractors continued work on several projects by maintaining round-the-clock construction schedules to complete outstanding components and bring the projects into operation as soon as possible.
Prime Minister Chính praised ministries, local authorities, engineers, workers and contractors for their efforts, including those who worked through the holiday to maintain construction momentum.
However, he noted that several tasks remain incomplete, mainly due to delays in land clearance and the approval of investment policies for some projects. Provinces including Cao Bằng Province and Phú Thọ Province have yet to approve investment policies for the Bắc Kạn–Cao Bằng and Hòa Bình–Mộc Châu expressway projects.
Several other localities have also not fully handed over construction sites for ongoing projects. The prime minister directed relevant authorities to urgently resolve outstanding issues and complete land clearance by March 2026 to ensure project schedules remain on track.
He further stressed that ministries, localities, investors and contractors must strictly comply with legal procedures during project implementation, emphasising that corruption, waste and losses of public assets must be prevented.
Public investment in major transport infrastructure is expected to play a crucial role in driving economic growth as the country begins implementing its 2026–2030 development plan. The government aims to expand the national expressway network to 5,000 kilometres by 2030, strengthening regional connectivity and opening new opportunities for development across the country.
Prime Minister Chính also called for stronger coordination among ministries, local authorities and project stakeholders to overcome challenges and accelerate progress while ensuring that projects meet quality, safety and environmental standards.
He urged investors and contractors to maintain high levels of determination and responsibility, organise construction efficiently and continue working in multiple shifts where necessary to meet project deadlines. Local authorities were also instructed to review and adjust provincial development plans to align with new expressway routes and maximise the economic benefits of transport infrastructure investment.
