Overview of the seminar.
According to Deputy Minister Lê Anh Tuấn, 2025 is the final year of the 2021-2025 term, a period during which investment in the development of infrastructure has received strong attention from the Party and the State and has been identified as one of the strategic breakthroughs for socio-economic development.
Deputy Minister of Construction Le Anh Tuan spoke at the seminar. Photo: Tạ Hải.
The transport sector has been assigned by the Party and the State to implement numerous national key projects, including the goal of realizing 3,000 km of expressways, which has been set in a context of significant change and unprecedented challenges in history. These challenges include constraints on resources, the Covid-19 pandemic, fluctuations in material and supply prices, and climate change.
However, under the orientation and leadership of the Party and the State, with the close attention of the National Assembly, the strong and hands-on direction of the Government and the Prime Minister, the concerted and responsible engagement of ministries, sectors, and localities especially the support of people in the project areas and the day-and-night efforts of investors and contractors, difficulties have gradually been overcome and projects have “endured the sun and conquered the rain” to reach completion on schedule.
Accordingly, by the end of 2025, 3,000 km of expressways will be put into operation, marking a major milestone.
This is not only vivid evidence of the achievements in developing strategic infrastructure, but also a clear demonstration of the will and determination of the Party, the State and our People to build a prosperous, civilized and modern nation gradually forming an integrated and interconnected infrastructure network that helps enhance national competitiveness, expand international connectivity, and better serve the travel and trade needs of the people.
Mr. Pham Van Khoi, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, representing Phuong Thanh Transport Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company.
At the seminar, sharing the difficulties and challenges contractors face during the construction of the North-South expressway projects, Mr. Pham Van Khoi, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Phuong Thanh Transport Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company, said that historically, no expressway had ever been completed within such a short timeframe as the expressway projects implemented over the past five years, especially the eastern section of the North-South Expressway. In the past, building expressways was extremely challenging; although resources were available and materials were not overly difficult to procure, the implementation of a single project still took many years.
However, currently, the project’s construction progress has been significantly accelerated thanks to coordination among ministries, sectors, investors, and local authorities to address difficulties; the application of technologies suitable for the terrain and geology; optimization of labor productivity; reduction of manual effort while increasing machine efficiency; and proactively extending working hours and shifts during all periods of favorable weather.
Khoi added, after the completion of the north-south expressway routes, the east-west and radial expressway routes are continuing to be developed. Each time, contractors gain valuable lessons, skills and experience, and enhance their capabilities in machinery, equipment, and finances.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Chung, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Road Infrastructure Investors.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Chung, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Road Infrastructure Investors, completing 3,000 km of expressways by 2025 demonstrates remarkable maturity, not only in terms of policies and mechanisms but also from the perspective of the construction contractors. By facing realities directly, identifying shortcomings, and proposing decisive solutions, such as special mechanisms for the exploitation of soil and construction materials or the bidding and contractor selection processes, these challenges are being effectively addressed.
In addition, investors and contractors have stepped up investments in science and technology, equipment, machinery, and construction innovations, replacing outdated technologies from 20 years ago. It can be affirmed that science and technology have played a significant role in achieving the goal of completing 3,000 km of expressways.
From a consulting perspective, Mr. Pham Huu Son, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport Engineering Design Consulting Corporation (TEDI), believes that the consulting units have shown strong involvement from their leaders, engineers, and survey staffs, considering this as a political task rather than purely a business activity.
Furthermore, significant progress has been made in roadbed construction technology and weak soil treatment. Hydrological management along the entire route has also been very effective, with no sections experiencing flooding. This demonstrates the in-depth research of the design unit and the maturity of the entire system.
Mr. Le Quyet Tien, Director of the Department of Economics and Construction Investment Management (Ministry of Construction).
From the perspective of the Ministry of Construction's project management agency, Tien raised several key issues such as how to shorten investment procedures, land acquisition, material preparation, financial resources, and management and mobilization of resources, including contractors. However, thanks to the engagement of the entire political system, the Government, the Ministry of Construction, and local authorities, these difficulties have gradually been resolved through specific resolutions from the National Assembly and the Government.
The Department of Economic and Investment Management in Construction, in its specialized advisory role, has also actively participated. The submitted design documents were reviewed immediately, resulting in a record-breaking timeframe.
A key factor in the success of these projects is the decisive action of the entire political system to minimize the time required for land clearance and the allocation of material mines under special mechanisms authorized by the competent authorities.
In addition, the Department has promptly advised the competent authorities to review standards and issue Circulars 08 and 09, which include expressway construction norms, ensuring accuracy and sufficiency for the projects. The Department also took the lead in advising on the amended Construction Law, which has been approved by the National Assembly. The law includes fundamental changes, ensuring clearer decentralization of authority, and streamlining administrative and investment procedures.