Vietnam will begin construction of the long-awaited Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway line on December 19, after Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for full preparation and resolute implementation to ensure the project progresses on schedule.
Prime Minister Emphasizes Urgency of Project
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted the urgency of this important initiative at the 17th session of the State Major Projects Steering Committee, emphasizing the strategic importance of the project at the national level. The Prime Minister stated that this railway line will play a critical role in achieving Vietnam's economic growth goals.
Concessional Loan Talks Continue with China
Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh said Vietnam is continuing to build the skilled workforce capacity to meet the technical requirements of the project. He also added that negotiations are ongoing with China to provide concessional loans to finance the project.
Transportation Infrastructure Key to Economic Growth
Prime Minister Chinh stressed that transportation infrastructure is vital to the country's economic growth. He said the new railway line will help Vietnam access wider markets, diversify its supply chains and strengthen its international connections. He noted that this project will play a vital role in achieving the goals set by the 11th Party Central Committee and the important decisions recently made by the National Assembly.
Call for Rapid Preparation for Local Governments
The Prime Minister strongly called for accelerating preparation work in nine key provinces along the route (Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Hung Yen, Hai Duong and Hai Phong) and launching the project as planned within this year.
Railway Development Critical for Export and Investment
Prime Minister Chinh also stressed that it is of great importance to strategically align the development of the railway line with Vietnam's goals of diversifying export routes and attracting more foreign investment into the country. An advanced railway network will reduce logistics costs, increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese products in international markets and create an attractive environment for investors.
Other Infrastructure Projects Also Progressing Fast
The Vietnamese government is also aiming to make significant progress on other major projects in line with its strategy to comprehensively develop its transportation infrastructure. Authorities plan to open 3.000 kilometers of new highways this year, complete 1.000 kilometers of coastal roads and accelerate the development of Long Thanh International Airport, which will be the country’s largest airport.
Integrated Transportation Network Goal
In addition to railway investment, Vietnam has set a long-term goal of connecting the northern province of Cao Bang to the southern province of Ca Mau with an integrated, modern highway system. This integrated transport network will significantly facilitate the movement of goods and people across the country and accelerate economic development.
Call for Responsibility to Ministries and Local Governments
Prime Minister Chinh gave a firm instruction to relevant ministries, provincial governments and other institutions to act urgently and with high sense of responsibility to ensure that all the major milestones are completed on time and in full.
Strategic Investments and Strong Leadership
Vietnam continues to take decisive steps to reshape the country’s transportation network and promote sustainable economic development through strategic infrastructure investments and strong leadership. The start of construction of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway line stands as a concrete demonstration of this vision.
