Vietnam Plans Over 10,000km of Expressways by 2050 to Drive Growth

The Vietnamese government has unveiled a revised road network plan, setting a target of 46 expressways with a total length exceeding 10,100 kilometers nationwide by 2050. This strategic initiative is designed to fuel economic growth, foster stronger connections between regions, and bolster the nation's international competitiveness. Currently, Vietnam boasts nearly 3,350 kilometers of operational expressways. The ambitious new plan aims to significantly expand this network. Key components include the widening of the crucial north-south expressway and the proposed construction of the Ha Tien-Rach Gia-Bac Lieu expressway. This extensive infrastructure development is poised to underpin Vietnam's robust economic trajectory. Within its one-party political framework, Vietnam has consistently pursued state-led mega-projects, identifying infrastructure investment as a primary driver of economic advancement. Enhancing logistical efficiency and reducing transportation costs are paramount for boosting the competitiveness of Vietnamese industries, particularly in light of the country's substantial economic relationship with China. Beyond economic hubs, the plan is anticipated to stimulate development in less developed areas, such as the northwestern Tay Bac region. The enhancement of transportation infrastructure is expected to attract foreign and domestic investment, generate new employment avenues, and contribute to a more equitable distribution of economic prosperity. Indicative of a broader push for enhanced connectivity, Ninh Binh province has proposed the development of a large-scale international airport spanning 720 hectares. Furthermore, the government is prioritizing the expansion of the north-south expressway, with a goal to complete its modernization by the end of 2030, signaling a concerted effort to create a state-of-the-art national logistics framework. Source: Nhan Dan