Vietnam Expressway Project Prioritizes Quality and Legal Safety Over Speed

During an inspection of the implementation of package XL1 for the Khanh Hoa-Buon Ma Thuot Expressway project on September 18, Mr. Ho Minh Hoang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Deo Ca Group, strongly emphasized that progress should not be pursued at the expense of construction quality, legal safety, and labor safety. The project aims for technical completion by September 2, 2026. Mr. Hoang stated that pushing the schedule by all means, or trading construction quality and legal safety for progress, is unacceptable. This expressway is a key infrastructure project connecting Khanh Hoa province on the central coast to Dak Lak province in the Central Highlands. It is seen as a crucial development for regional economic revitalization, particularly for Dak Lak's "take-off." The Vietnamese government prioritizes the development of an expressway network connecting major economic corridors as a national strategy, with this project being a part of it. Despite complex construction conditions, efforts are underway to shorten the construction period. Related land acquisition and the construction of connecting roads, such as the link between the Nam Maq-Cam-Sanam Expressway and Ca Na Port, are also proceeding in parallel. Under Vietnam's one-party system, large-scale infrastructure projects are often seen as matters of national prestige, with early completion frequently prioritized. However, concerns about quality degradation, environmental impact, and corruption in past projects have been rising. The current emphasis on quality and safety may indicate a policy shift towards more sustainable and high-quality development.