“Nationwide Commemoration: 80 Mega Projects to Mark 80 Years of Independence”

On May 10, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, head of the National Steering Committee for important national projects and key transport infrastructure projects, chaired the committee’s 17th meeting.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized that over the past three terms and in the draft documents of the 14th Party Congress, there has been a focus on implementing three strategic breakthroughs, including a breakthrough in infrastructure development, especially transport infrastructure.

The Government, ministries, sectors, and localities have effectively implemented the development of transport infrastructure, including road, rail, aviation, and waterway networks. This has improved connectivity between people, regions, and the country, as well as internationally, reducing travel time and production and logistics costs.

According to the Prime Minister, along with continuing the organizational structure revolution and implementing the “strategic quartet,” other regular tasks must be synchronously deployed to boost growth. This includes investment solutions, especially public investment, with a high proportion allocated to the transport sector.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification, 80 large and key projects were simultaneously inaugurated and commenced nationwide. Similarly, for the upcoming 80th anniversary of National Day, 80 more projects will be launched and completed. Additionally, on the 79th anniversary of the nationwide resistance and in celebration of the 14th Party Congress, more projects will be inaugurated and commenced.

Achieving the Target of 3,000 Kilometers of Expressways

The Prime Minister instructed a review of the tasks, focusing on removing obstacles and accelerating investment procedures for projects. He urged the promotion of completing the country’s target of 3,000 kilometers of expressways this year, along with 1,000 kilometers of coastal roads and the implementation of railway and road projects connecting Laos and China.

Particularly, there was an emphasis on promoting the construction of the standard-gauge railway from Lao Cai to Hanoi and Haiphong, with a determination to commence construction in 2025. This project aims to connect Vietnam’s railway network with China, Central Asia, and Europe. The meeting’s spirit aligned with the resolutions of the Central Committee, National Assembly, and Government regarding transport infrastructure development, emphasizing “action over retreat.”

The Prime Minister demanded that the committee members demonstrate a strong sense of discipline, attitude toward work, and effectiveness in their duties. He stressed the importance of “speaking and acting truthfully and delivering genuine results,” avoiding formalism. The focus should be on evaluating, reviewing, and resolving obstacles to expedite the implementation of projects.

Notably, the Prime Minister called for stronger involvement from localities, especially in land clearance, with the principle of “localities take charge, localities do, and localities are accountable.”