Rarely has Vietnam seen such a dense, purpose-driven rhythm of groundbreakings, inaugurations, and technical openings, all aligned with significant political and historical milestones.

In less than a year, Vietnam has witnessed three major waves of project launches and completions - from April to December - with a combined investment value amounting to several million billion VND (hundreds of billions USD).

But behind those figures lies more than a rush to disburse funds or meet end-of-term deadlines. 2025 was deliberately shaped as a year to lay the foundation for a new cycle of development.

Three key timelines and a consistent growth logic

The first wave began on April 19, 2025 - marking the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Vietnam. On that day, 80 major projects were launched or inaugurated, with a total investment of around $18.3 billion.

This kickstarted a strategically scripted year of infrastructure expansion.

By August 19, the scale had grown even larger, with about 250 projects launched, worth roughly $52.6 billion.

The key takeaway is not just the size of the numbers, but the continuity - these were not isolated events, but a carefully orchestrated sequence, proving this was a sustained national campaign rather than a short-term push.

The final and most ambitious phase is set for December 19, when the government will hold a nationwide ceremony for 234 projects across 34 provinces, totaling approximately $139.9 billion.

Of this, only 18% - around $25.8 billion - comes from the state budget. The remaining $114 billion (82%) is sourced from the private sector and non-state capital.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that these sequential events (April 19, August 19, and now December 19) are not only to mark major political milestones such as the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress and the 14th National Party Congress, but also to “create momentum, inspire new energy, and build a foundation for double-digit economic growth in the coming years.”

Taken in context, it’s clear: 2025’s construction surge is not a series of disconnected events, but a deliberate policy roadmap sending a strong signal for the next stage of national development.

Reading the numbers reveals a new development philosophy

At first glance, the numbers are staggering. But what matters more is the role the state has chosen to play in these projects.

In the December wave, the government has stepped back from being the main financier. Instead, it plays the role of leader and enabler - setting direction, creating incentives, and letting the market do the heavy lifting.

The fact that over 82% of total capital comes from non-state sources signals a structural shift in development thinking.

This is no longer about traditional public investment - it’s a coordinated effort between state and market, where the private sector is no longer a guest but a co-architect.

The decision to prioritize infrastructure in 2025 is also a strategic hedge against global economic uncertainty. With consumer demand recovering slowly and exports facing geopolitical and trade tensions, boosting the supply side - through infrastructure, logistics, and connectivity - is a safer, more resilient path.

When invested wisely and operated efficiently, infrastructure offers more than short-term growth. It reduces long-term costs, expands development potential, and enhances the nation's competitive edge.

That’s why targets like completing 3,000 km of expressways by the end of 2025 (and 5,000 km by 2030), and synchronizing major airport operations, are not stand-alone goals. They fit squarely within the broader plan to reach at least 8% GDP growth in 2025 and build momentum for even higher growth in the years ahead.

"A change in state"

What sets 2025’s projects apart is not just their number, but their ambition - to fundamentally shift the state of national infrastructure.

These projects aren’t about patching holes or fixing gaps. They’re about forming a clearly structured network that connects regions and unites the country.

When infrastructure is viewed as a system, each site doesn’t just serve a single province - it reshapes the flow of goods, capital, and people across the country. In this light, 2025 is the year Vietnam began redesigning the spatial structure of its economy.

With non-state capital taking the lead, private enterprises are no longer bystanders - they are long-term partners and investors. But this also raises the bar for governance. It demands a transparent, stable, and disciplined institutional environment.

Launching projects is just the beginning. If delays, cost overruns, or low efficiency arise, today's trillion-VND projects could become tomorrow’s burdens. The real challenge lies not in raising capital, but in project management and policy discipline.

Despite what remains to be done, one thing is clear: choosing 2025 as the year of widespread construction is a bold political commitment.

It’s a promise to grow, to improve infrastructure, and to show that the state is ready to act for the country’s future.

If completed on schedule and operated effectively, these projects will make 2025 the year that laid the groundwork for Vietnam’s next growth cycle.

Tu Giang