On the morning of July 1, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee held a groundbreaking ceremony for eight major infrastructure projects with a combined investment of more than VND253.033 trillion (US$9.6 billion).

The projects are being launched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Saigon–Gia Dinh officially being renamed Ho Chi Minh City on July 2, 1976.

The projects include the Ben Nha Rong–Khanh Hoi Cultural Park and Bach Dang Riverside Green Space; the Ho Tram–Long Thanh International Airport Urban Expressway; the Can Gio–Vung Tau Sea Crossing; Cai Mep Ha General and Container Port (Phase 1); Binh Tien Bridge and Road; Ho Chi Minh City–Moc Bai Expressway (Phase 1); the Ben Luc–Long Thanh Expressway interchange with Rung Sac Road; and the Ben Luc–Long Thanh Expressway interchange with National Highway 50.

Funding for the projects comes from a combination of public investment, public-private partnerships (PPP), and private-sector capital.

Speaking at the event, Hoang Nguyen Dinh, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, said the simultaneous launch of the projects represents a pledge through action by the city's Party organization, government and people before President Ho Chi Minh's legacy, history and the expectations of the nation. It also reflects the city's aspiration to build a modern, civilized and compassionate metropolis in its next stage of development.

"Today, we are translating our responsibility as the country's economic locomotive into large-scale projects designed under a long-term and sustainable development strategy with enormous investment resources. These eight groundbreaking projects represent strategic pieces of the city's overall infrastructure blueprint and serve the goal of achieving breakthrough development," he said.

The city leader called on project owners, contractors and investors to mobilize maximum resources, modern equipment and advanced technologies while implementing scientific and detailed construction plans. He urged all parties to accelerate construction while ensuring the highest quality standards and absolute workplace safety.

Eight strategic projects begin construction

The Ben Nha Rong–Khanh Hoi Cultural Park and Bach Dang Riverside Green Space carries special historical significance as it is located at the site where President Ho Chi Minh departed Vietnam in 1911 to begin his journey overseas in search of a path to national independence.

Covering approximately 73.3 hectares, the project has a total investment of VND29.317 trillion (US$1.11 billion) under the PPP model. It comprises five components: construction of the cultural park; redevelopment of the Khanh Hoi area while preserving its historic port heritage; upgrading Nguyen Tat Thanh Street; developing parks, green spaces and infrastructure along Bach Dang Wharf; and expanding roads while building underpasses, pedestrian bridges, underground parking facilities, underground commercial space and public areas along the Saigon River.

The Ho Tram–Long Thanh International Airport Urban Expressway will stretch about 42 kilometers, featuring six traffic lanes with parallel service roads on both sides. The project carries a total investment of VND46.918 trillion (US$1.78 billion) and will be implemented as a PPP project between 2026 and 2029.

The Can Gio–Vung Tau Sea Crossing will extend approximately 14 kilometers, including more than 8 kilometers of bridge, 3.85 kilometers of tunnel, and connecting approach roads. Designed with six traffic lanes, the project has an estimated investment of VND93.159 trillion (US$3.54 billion). It will become the first direct transport link between Can Gio and Vung Tau, expanding the city's maritime development corridor.

The city also commenced construction of the Cai Mep Ha General and Container Port (Phase 1) with an investment of approximately VND50.820 trillion (US$1.93 billion). Covering more than 351 hectares, the port will be capable of accommodating container vessels of up to 250,000 DWT. Once fully completed, it is expected to handle approximately 10.8 million TEUs annually, with the ambition of becoming a major international container transshipment hub in the region.

The remaining projects include the Binh Tien Bridge and Road (approimately VND6.285 trillion, or US$239 million); the main section of the Ho Chi Minh City–Moc Bai Expressway (VND22.975 trillion, or US$873 million); the Ben Luc–Long Thanh Expressway interchange with Rung Sac Road (VND2.969 trillion, or US$113 million); and the Ben Luc–Long Thanh Expressway interchange with National Highway 50 (VND590 billion, or US$22 million).