As a senior expert who has participated in large transport infrastructure projects, engineer Nguyen Tien Oanh, Deputy General Director of the Van Don Infrastructure Development and Investment Co Ltd, was happy to finally see cars running on the opening day of Van Don - Mong Cai highway on September 1.

The 80km, four-lane road was built within 24 months (including site clearance), which is considered a record for the shortest time of construction. Workers had to try their best to overcome many difficulties to complete the project under the plan.

The Van Don - Mong Cai expressway completes the expressway from Lao Cai through Hanoi and Hai Phong to Mong Cai City, forming the longest highway in Vietnam of nearly 600 km. 

The section passing through Quang Ninh province extending from Bach Dang bridge to Mong Cai international border gate of 176 km is the only coastal highway in Vietnam that connects directly to the three economic zones of Quang Yen, Van Don and Mong Cai.

The Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee nearly 10 years ago proposed seeking private capital for large-scale transport infrastructure projects. This policy opened the way for the successful implementation of 29 public-private projects in Quang Ninh.

The policy was based on the belief that “no single government can independently provide a full infrastructure system in general, and transport infrastructure in particular, but it requires the cooperation of the private sector in infrastructure investment and development”.

Under this policy, Quang Ninh also spent a large amount of budget to invest in expressway projects to ensure financial feasibility and share risks with investors.

For the 25 km Ha Long - Hai Phong expressway project, the investor built the Bach Dang bridge and the local authorities invested in a 19.8 km road; for the Ha Long - Van Don expressway project with a length of 59.6 km, the private investor built 53 km and the local government invested in 6 km; and for the Van Don - Mong Cai expressway project with a length of 80.2 km, the investor built 63.5 km and the provincial government invested in 16.7 km.

"This policy was later recognized by the central government, and the National Assembly included it in the Law on PPP Investment (point a, clause 5, article 70) and it became one of the provisions highly appreciated by investors," one expert said.

The wave of investment

Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The said that Quang Ninh’s success aided the ministry in asking the Government to step up decentralization for localities to invest in large transport projects, including works of high difficulty such as airports and highways.

With 33 expressway projects totaling nearly 3,000 km planned for 2021 - 2030, the transport sector needs the cooperation of local authorities. 

“Strong decentralization will promote autonomy, improve the responsibility of local leaders and the capacity of officials in charge of project management and administration; and help mobilize the local labor force to participate in the construction and investment process," said Minister The.

Along with the role of local authorities, the strong participation of private groups such as Vingroup, T&T and Him Lam, the goal of building 5,000 km of highway by 2030 may be reached.

In the past year, many private investors have joined infrastructure projects. Notably, Vingroup and Techcombank invested in the Gia Nghia - Chon Thanh expressway project. This project has an investment of up to more than 26,000 billion VND for the construction of 207 km of a four-lane highway.

T&T Group has been preparing a pre-feasibility report for Bao Loc - Lien Khuong expressway project in the form of PPP, while Hung Thinh - Deo Ca has proposed investment in Tan Phu - Bao Loc expressway project.

The calling for private sector support shows the determination of the government to fulfill transport infrastructure goals. 

Dau Tu