Vietnam Accelerates North-South Expressway Expansion and Improvement Plans

The Vietnamese government is set to accelerate plans for the expansion and upgrading of its North-South Expressway network, a crucial artery for domestic transportation. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed the enhancement of existing 2-lane and limited 4-lane expressways to meet standard specifications. The eastern section of the North-South Expressway has been identified as a priority for this development, with the Ministry of Construction tasked to coordinate with relevant ministries and local authorities to submit investment proposals to the government leadership. Currently, Vietnam operates nearly 3,350 kilometers of expressways nationwide. Recently, Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems were officially launched on five sections of the North-South Expressway, heralding a modern, seamless, and transparent tolling experience. This has improved traffic flow and contributed to logistics efficiency. The government aims to complete the expansion of the North-South Expressway by the end of 2030. This ambitious project is expected to significantly strengthen the national logistics network, thereby boosting economic growth. Notably, approximately 200 kilometers of the expressway in the central region have recently opened to traffic, demonstrating the ongoing progress in infrastructure development. This infrastructure investment aligns with Vietnam's state-led development strategy under its one-party system, aiming to attract foreign investment and enhance the competitiveness of domestic industries by improving access to economic zones and industrial parks. Amidst complex relations with China, strengthening domestic infrastructure can also contribute to supply chain resilience.