Prime Minister Demands Responsibilities in Long Thanh Airport Project
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh giving concluding remarks at the meeting on the progress of the Long Thanh International Airport Project – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac |
Earlier, in early December 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspected the progress of the Long Thanh Airport Project for the fifth time.
The Long Thanh International Airport Project consists of four components: Component 1 (headquarters of government agencies); Component 2 (air traffic control facilities); Component 3 (essential infrastructure); and Component 4 (ground service facilities).
At the meeting, ministries, agencies, investors, and contractors reported on ensuring the project’s progress and quality as directed by the Prime Minister.
The construction of various components has been initiated simultaneously. Despite the achievements, there are still some delays, lack of progress, or unresolved issues related to site clearance. Many difficulties and obstacles need to be addressed.
In Component 1, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has not allocated funds or completed the approval procedures for the investment policy of the headquarters of the animal/plant quarantine agency.
Regarding Component 3, the most critical component, the total output value achieved to date is 36%. However, the contract package for the construction of the runway, taxiway, and aircraft parking area has not shown much progress compared to the previous reporting period. After obtaining approval from the National Assembly, the construction of the second runway has not been initiated.
Especially for the contract package for the construction and installation of equipment for the passenger terminal – the heart of the project, many devices need to be custom-designed and imported from abroad. Therefore, the project’s progress heavily depends on the production schedule of specialized equipment from these countries.
 Chairman of the Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV) Vu The Phiet reporting on the implementation of the Long Thanh International Airport Project – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac |
In Component 4, some packages have not yet selected investors, causing delays that may affect the entire airport’s operation.
Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that the Long Thanh International Airport Project is a crucial national project and the country’s largest airport project. It holds great significance and must be expedited if we aim for double-digit growth in the coming years, as smooth transportation is essential.
The Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and related agencies to inspect, clarify responsibilities, and handle officials responsible for the delayed capital allocation for the animal/plant quarantine station headquarters in Component 1.
The Prime Minister stated that the Ministry of Transport has disciplined some officials. However, the Ministry must continue to clarify and immediately handle those with higher responsibilities regarding the delayed tasks. They must promptly report to the Prime Minister.
To achieve this goal, the Prime Minister requested that the agencies and individuals involved demonstrate the highest sense of responsibility, “discuss doing, not discuss retreating,” and “do not say no, difficult, or yes without action.” It is crucial to mobilize the full strength of the agencies and forces. Anyone who retreats or fails to deliver should step aside and let others work, ensuring that irresponsible individuals do not hinder progress. Time, intelligence, and decisiveness are the determining factors for success. If there are difficulties or obstacles, and if there is a need for people, funds, mechanisms, or anything else, report to the Government and the Prime Minister.
Regarding specific tasks, the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to act more urgently and vigorously in implementing the animal/plant quarantine station headquarters project in Component 1 (other agencies have completed their tasks).
For Component 2, which is currently on track, the Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV) and related agencies must complete it before April 30, 2025.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Component 3 is the most challenging, especially regarding the equipment for scanning and conveying, which must be ordered from abroad. Therefore, for the construction part, it is necessary to review the work, make more specific divisions, conduct stricter inspections, reorganize the construction, and implement simultaneous construction to further increase the pace, with three shifts and four teams, working through holidays and days off, “eating hastily and sleeping quickly,” “overcoming the sun, winning over the rain, and not losing to storms,” to make up for lost time. Once the rough construction is completed, interior work should immediately follow.
For Component 4, the Ministry of Transport is responsible for all related tasks and must finalize the remaining procedures by February 15.
Similarly, the Prime Minister instructed the agencies to complete the procedures for the construction of the second runway by February 15. Regarding funding for this runway, ACV will implement it within its authority.
Concerning the connecting transport infrastructure, which must be basically completed in 2025, the Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Transport and related agencies to promptly carry out the necessary procedures. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning and Investment should urgently balance and allocate capital.
On raw materials, the Prime Minister requested Dong Nai province to comply with the Mineral Law and resolutions of the National Assembly and the Government. They should directly assign mineral mines to contractors without intermediaries. It is necessary to review the entire process, and if any irregularities are found, the mines should be revoked, and strict handling should be applied according to legal regulations. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will coordinate with Dong Nai province in handling this issue.
Dong Tu
– 20:30 25/01/2025
