Unlock transport potential to accelerate Mekong Delta growth: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for “faster, bolder and greater” action in Mekong Delta transport infrastructure development, stating that each year must be better than the last, and each term must surpass the one before.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the conference. (Photo: VNA)
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the conference. (Photo: VNA)

Can Tho (VNA) - Unlocking all modes of transport, including road, air, maritime, inland waterway, and rail, is key to lifting the Mekong Delta out of poverty and propelling its growth, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has said.

Addressing a conference in Can Tho city on April 21 to review the progress of major transport infrastructure projects in the south, PM Chinh underlined that each generation must contribute to achieving this overarching goal.

According to the road network plan for 2021–2030 with a vision to 2050, the region will have 1,256km of roads, comprising three vertical and three horizontal expressways.

Currently, 121km of vertical expressways have been completed, including Ben Luc – Trung Luong – My Thuan (91km), My Thuan – Can Tho (23km) and My Thuan 2 Bridge (7km). From 2021 to 2025, ten additional expressway projects totalling 432km are being implemented. A further 703km are planned for the coming time, including the 90km Ca Mau – Dat Mui route.

With strong Government oversight and local cooperation, issues such as land clearance and the supply of construction materials have been largely resolved, allowing smoother implementation.

Key projects include Can Tho – Ca Mau (110km), which is scheduled to complete by 2025; Chau Doc – Can Tho – Soc Trang (191km), expected to finish in July 2026; and Cao Lanh – An Huu, to be completed by 2027. Meanwhile, the My An – Cao Lanh project's construction will begin June 2025, the Cao Lanh – Lo Te and Lo Te – Rach Soi projects have their construction deadlines in 2025, and the Ho Chi Minh Road (Rach Soi – Ben Nhat, Go Quao – Vinh Thuan) and Rach Mieu 2 Bridge are all scheduled for completion this year.

In aviation, the region currently has four airports: Can Tho, Ca Mau, Rach Gia and Phu Quoc. A high-speed rail line connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho (174km) is planned for investment before 2030, with a future extension to Ca Mau under review.

The maritime network includes 12 seaports across all delta localities, while a comprehensive system of inland waterways and logistics corridors is being developed.

PM Chinh affirmed that in special circumstances, with extraordinary efforts and methods, exceptional results have been achieved, surpassing initial targets.

Officials at the conference (Photo: VNA)

Officials at the conference (Photo: VNA)

He outlined three key requirements for all infrastructure projects: completion on time or ahead of schedule, high quality, and no cost overruns, adding there must be zero corruption and strict adherence to environmental standards.

The PM instructed the Ministry of Construction to issue guidance next week on adopting advanced technologies to accelerate construction.

With building materials now largely secured, he called on relevant ministries to expedite the reallocation of sand and the transfer of mining rights between projects to ensure resource efficiency. The Ministry of Finance was tasked with guaranteeing sufficient funding.

Drawing inspiration from the Great Spring 1975 Victory, the PM called for “faster, bolder and greater” action in transport infrastructure development, stating that each year must be better than the last, and each term must surpass the one before. He stressed a long-term vision that prioritises national interests above all.

By the end of the current term, the region is expected to have 600km of expressways, with a goal of at least 1,300km by 2030 - 100km more than initially planned.

Plans are also in motion to expand Phu Quoc, Ca Mau and Rach Gia airports, with local governments responsible for land clearance. Key seaports under development include Cai Cui, Tran De and Hon Khoai.

The Government leader also underscored the need for comprehensive and inclusive development, underpinned by transparency and accountability, with clear responsibilities, clear timelines, and clear outcomes.

He reiterated the principles of ensuring the benefits of the State, the people and enterprises, and say no to corruption and wastefulness of public assets and resources.

Beyond transport, the Government plans initiatives to combat land subsidence, erosion, and salinity, and to enhance health care, education and human resources development, he stated./.

VNA

See more

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Thammasak Sethaudom, Chairman and CEO of SCG. (Photo: VNA)

PM hosts leaders of seven Thai leading corporations

In the spirit of “harmonious benefits and shared risks”, the Vietnamese Government will always accompany and create a favourable investment environment for Thai businesses to operate successfully in Vietnam.

Vietnamese President Luong Cuong (right) receives Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Hanoi on May 16. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese President welcomes Thai Prime Minister

President Luong Cuong described the resumption of the Joint Cabinet Retreat between the two countries’ PMs after a nearly-nine-year hiatus as a demonstration of both sides’ resolve to foster extensive, substantive, and effective cooperation.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (front, third from left) and his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra (front, second from left) at the business forum in Hanoi on May 16. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, Thai PMs co-chair business forum in Hanoi

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam is actively addressing obstacles faced by Thai enterprises related to taxes, electricity, digital payments, administrative procedures, and capital access.

CPV General Secretary To Lam (right) receives Prime Minister of Thailand and leader of the Pheu Thai Party Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Hanoi on May 16. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Party leader receives Thai Prime Minister

The upgrade of Vietnam - Thailand ties to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a historic milestone heralding a new chapter of the two countries’ relations and meeting their development demand in the new period, said Party General Secretary To Lam.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria and Senegal Tran Quoc Khanh (centre) in a group photo at a recent annual Ambassador's Vovinam Cup held in Senegal. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Senegal enhance cooperation across key sectors

In the first four months of 2025, Vietnam’s exports to Senegal stood at 43.43 million USD, nearly equalling the total for 2024 (43.91 million USD). Vietnam mainly exports rice, pepper, agricultural products, and components, while its imports from Senegal include raw cashew nuts, fishmeal, seafood, and cotton.

Professor Archana Upadhyay from the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India. (Photo:VNA)

Potential to promote Vietnam – Nepal trade

The Vietnam-Nepal relationship is primarily centred on religion, education, people-to-people exchange, business, trade, and investment, Upadhyay said, noting people-to-people diplomacy forms the foundation of this relationship.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (left) and Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra inspect the guard of honour in Hanoi on May 16. (Photo: VNA)

Prime Minister hosts welcome ceremony for Thai counterpart

This is the first visit to Vietnam by PM Paetongtarn since she took office, and also the first by a Thai Government leader in 11 years. Additionally, it marks the first joint cabinet meeting between the two countries’ prime ministers in 10 years.

The UN Day of Vesak celebration held at the UN headquarters in New York on May 14 (local time). (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam endorses widespread compassion, harmony, tolerance: ambassador

Vietnam has successfully hosted the 2025 UN Day of Vesak Celebrations, drawing Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers from numerous countries. Giang noted that this year’s event coincided with Vietnam’s 50th anniversary of national reunification and forthcoming 80th National Day.