On the morning of August 19, ceremonies were simultaneously held across the country to inaugurate and launch 250 projects and works at 80 sites, marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.

The central ceremony was organized at the Vietnam Exhibition Center in Hanoi, connected virtually to 79 sites in 34 provinces and cities.

General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the inauguration of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (VEC) in Dong Anh, Hanoi. Former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung was also present.

The 250 projects had a combined total investment of approximately 1.28 quadrillion VND (about USD 50.5 billion). Among them were 89 completed and inaugurated projects and 161 groundbreaking projects. The portfolio included 8 national-level projects, 46 Group A projects, 155 Group B projects, and 41 Group C projects.

By sector, transportation accounted for 59 projects; civil-urban development, 44; industrial projects, 57; technical infrastructure, 36; social housing, 22; agriculture and rural development, 6; culture and sports, 3; education, 12; defense, 1; and healthcare, 10.

Of these, 129 projects were funded by state capital, totaling 478 trillion VND (about USD 18.9 billion), or 37 percent of total investment. Another 121 projects were financed from other sources with 802 trillion VND (about USD 31.6 billion), or 63 percent. Foreign direct investment accounted for 5 projects worth about 54 trillion VND (about USD 2.1 billion).

Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh emphasized that from 2021 to 2025, infrastructure development has been identified as a strategic breakthrough by the Party and State to promote socio-economic growth and ensure national security and defense. Key projects include highways, aviation, seaports, urban rail, and high-speed rail.

Thanks to joint efforts by ministries, localities, and the business community, many major projects have been accelerated. These efforts lay the foundation for Vietnam’s economy to grow more than 8 percent in 2025, aiming toward double-digit growth in subsequent years.

Regarding highways, 455 km were completed this year, increasing the total operational length to 2,476 km. By the end of 2025, an additional 700 km is expected, reaching the goal of 3,000 km, and 5,000 km by 2030.

Vietnam has also put 1,397 km of coastal roads into operation, with 633 km under construction, progressing toward the target of 2,838 km.

Today’s groundbreaking included six new highway projects stretching 364 km, as well as upgrades to existing roads. Notably, construction began on the Ca Mau–Dat Mui expressway, completing the final link in the North-South corridor.

In maritime and inland waterways, major projects like Cai Mep-Thi Vai, Lach Huyen, Hau River channel, and Cho Gao Canal have been advanced. New ports, including Hon Khoai and Bai Goc, were launched today, marking strategic steps to strengthen logistics, reduce costs, and boost national defense.

In rail transport, two urban rail lines (Cat Linh–Ha Dong and Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien) and the Nhon–Kim Ma section have already opened. Today also marked groundbreaking for resettlement areas to serve the upcoming North-South high-speed rail and Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway projects.

In aviation, major projects include expansions at Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports, and the Long Thanh International Airport, slated for substantial completion by the end of 2025. New works also began today, including Gia Binh Airport (Class 4E), Cat Bi T2 Terminal, and Ca Mau Airport expansion.

In housing, the urbanization rate has risen to 44.9 percent, up 5.6 points. Urban clean water access now covers 94 percent of residents. Average housing space has reached 26.6 square meters per person, up 2.2 square meters since the start of the term.

Since 2021, 692 social housing projects totaling 634,000 units have been developed, with the aim of reaching 1 million units by 2030. More than 334,200 substandard houses nationwide have been eliminated - five years ahead of schedule.

Among today’s inaugurated projects were the National Exhibition and Convention Center - ranked among the world’s top 10, built in just over 10 months - as well as the Nghe An Cancer Hospital and the Saigon International Financial Center. Twenty-one new social housing projects with 11,500 units were also launched across several provinces.

These major projects are expected to drive regional connectivity, boost economic growth beyond 8 percent in 2025, and lay the foundation for double-digit growth in coming years.

At the ceremony, General Secretary To Lam awarded the First-Class Labor Medal to Vingroup for its outstanding achievement in completing the National Exhibition and Convention Center 15 months ahead of schedule, marking a major contribution to the nation’s socio-economic development.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh awarded the Third-Class Labor Medal to Vietnam Electricity (EVN), the National Power Transmission Corporation, and Dang Hoang An, Chairman of EVN’s Members’ Council.

The Prime Minister also presented certificates of merit to 12 organizations and 3 individuals for their outstanding role in completing 3,000 km of expressways during a 500-day intensive construction campaign.

Ngan Anh - Thach Thao - Nguyen Le