The Ministry of Transport’s policy of selling operation rights of some transport infrastructure works has drawn public interest, the Quan doi Nhan dan (People’s Army) reported.

Last year, the Ministry’s Vietnam Expressway Corporation planned to invite foreign investors to buy five highway projects including Noi Bai- Lao Cai, Cau Gie- Ninh Binh, Ben Luc- Long Thanh, HCM City- Long Thanh-Dau Giay and Da Nang- Quang Ngai.

The ministry has since allowed 70 percent of the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway to be sold to an Indian investor to raise funds for other road projects.

Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang has also given the green light for a pilot plan to sell the operation rights of international airports to raise funds for national aviation infrastructure projects, including the Long Thanh International Airport.

Both national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and low-cost carrier VietjetAir are seeking permission to purchase the T1 terminal at Noi Bai International Airport.

The airlines said that owning the terminal will allow them to cut operation costs and improve the efficiency of services.

Users of public transport facilities also hope for better services and road maintenance when private operators take management.

However, there are concerns about overcharging, and how the State will monitor the operation of transport works in question.

Therefore, a detailed legal framework on the infrastructure transfer needs to be built to ensure harmonious benefits among the Government, investors and the public.

Highways, terminals and sea ports are considered to be a “fertilised land” to attract investors due to low-risk investment. The pilot infrastructure transfer promises to attract capital for new projects and increase the efficiency of the transport system towards realising a comprehensive infrastructure network in the country.-VNA