Vietnam seeks over VND840 trillion in private capital for expressways
Vietnam is seeking more than VND846 trillion (US$32 billion) in private-sector funding to accelerate expressway development and upgrades over the 2026-2030 period, as the government looks to expand transport infrastructure to support economic growth.
Vietnam is targeting over VND846 trillion (US$32 billion) in private investment to bolster expressway development from 2026 to 2030, as the government seeks to bolster infrastructure to fuel economic expansion. On September 29, the Ministry of Construction convened a conference in Hanoi, convening nearly 170 stakeholders, including government officials, banks, and investors, to encourage private-sector participation.
Minister Tran Hong Minh emphasized the conference's goal of mobilizing maximum social capital for a modern, integrated transport network, with a focus on expressways. Vietnam's 14th National Party Congress has set a target of annual GDP growth exceeding 10 percent between 2026 and 2030, and the ministry noted that achieving this growth requires keeping transport infrastructure ahead of demand to spur economic activity, improve connectivity, and reduce logistics costs.
Currently, Vietnam operates 3,345 kilometers of expressways, surpassing the 3,000-kilometer target set for 2021-2025. An additional 1,252 kilometers are under construction. The North-South Expressway East, stretching from Lang Son to Ca Mau, has largely been completed, creating a continuous transport corridor across the country.
Nevertheless, Vietnam's expressway density remains low compared to developed nations. Over the next five years, the country must build 2,829 kilometers of new expressways and upgrade 1,187 kilometers of existing routes, requiring an estimated investment of more than VND1.2 quadrillion. The state budget will only contribute about VND423 trillion, leaving approximately VND846 trillion to be sourced from external investment.
Minister Tran Hong Minh acknowledged the funding gap as a significant challenge but also a substantial opportunity for businesses and financial institutions. The ministry has identified 29 priority projects, with a combined investment requirement of VND923 trillion, seeking private investment through public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements.
Investors and banks are urged to provide long-term capital and credit at reasonable rates to support infrastructure projects. The ministry called on central agencies, local authorities, and major corporations to streamline administrative procedures and resolve implementation obstacles to ensure timely land clearance. Several major projects in southern Vietnam are among the first priority group of 29 expressway projects offered for PPP investment between 2026 and 2030.
These include the North-South Expressway West section from Duc Hoa to My An, the expansion of the North-South Expressway East between Quang Ngai and Dau Giay, and the Ha Tien-Rach Gia section of the Ha Tien-Rach Gia-Bac Lieu Expressway.
Written by urgent.news from SGGP English Edition's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
