Unveiling Oversight and Violations in the Huu Nghi – Chi Lang Expressway Project

On December 10, 2025, the Government Inspectorate (GVI) issued a Conclusion Notice on the inspection of policy and legal compliance for the Huu Nghi – Chi Lang Expressway project.

The 43km project, approved by the Prime Minister, faced challenges from 2016 to July 2025, leading to three investment model changes and two shifts in managing authorities.

Initially (2016-2018), it was a public investment under Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) with the Ministry of Transport (now Construction) as the managing authority.

From 2018-2022, it shifted to a BOT model. Lang Son Province oversaw it, with Component 2 executed by UDIC, Licogi 16, and Hoa Hiep. Component 1 was handled by Bac Giang – Lang Son BOT JSC, and Component 2 by Bac Giang – Lang Son – Huu Nghi BOT JSC.

Component 2 later became an independent project. At suspension, it was under construction, with the investor handing files to Lang Son’s Project Management Unit (PMU).

From 2022-2025, it adopted a PPP model. Investors included Deo Ca Construction, Deo Ca Group, Construction Company 568, and Lizen, forming Huu Nghi – Chi Lang Expressway JSC.

Lang Son’s People’s Council adjusted the investment policy, including capital structure, based on investor proposals.

Currently, Huu Nghi – Chi Lang Expressway JSC has executed four construction packages, completing 1,783.57 billion VND out of 6,856.26 billion VND (26.01%). State budget contribution is 5,500 billion VND (49.87%), with 4,500 billion VND allocated and 2,210.2 billion VND disbursed (49.1%). The investor contributed 5,529 billion VND (50.13%), with 873.16 billion VND disbursed. No audits or inspections have been conducted.

Shortcomings and Violations in the Huu Nghi – Chi Lang Expressway Project

The GVI noted that despite progress, Lang Son Province and related agencies had several shortcomings and violations.

During the first model change, the Ministry of Construction, Lang Son Province, VEC, and PMU failed to review and determine utilizable survey and design files, costs, and approvals.

In the second change, Lang Son Province did not follow procedures for transitioning from public to PPP investment.

The PMU did not hand over VEC’s survey and design files to the Bac Giang – Lang Son BOT investor. VEC and PMU2 (Ministry of Transport) did not hand over the site to Lang Son Province, hindering further transfers.

Component 2’s investor signed Supplement 02 without meeting the 600 billion VND minimum equity. They proceeded with construction without clearing explosives.

The PMU and Component 2 investor did not quantify completed work or settle costs.

In the third change, delays in technical and design approvals affected construction. Progress lagged, and investors delayed financing.

1.5 million m³ of waste remains unallocated. Contractors lack mining permits.

The PMU did not hand over files or completed work to the new PPP investor.

Banks failed to commit funds, impacting project progress.

Lang Son Province increased state funding without proper allocation, seeking 2,700 billion VND in additional support.

Responsibility lies with the Ministry of Construction, Lang Son’s People’s Council, PMU, VEC, and contractors.

Criminal Investigation if Violations Found

The GVI recommends the Prime Minister direct the State Bank to address banks’ failure to commit funds.

The Ministry of Construction, Lang Son Province, and VEC must settle VEC’s costs.

Lang Son must review funding decisions, quantify completed work, and hold accountable parties responsible.

The GVI urges inspections, accountability, and corrective actions. If criminal violations are found, cases will be referred for investigation.