My Thuan-Can Tho Expressway to be Expanded to Six Lanes, PPP Model Under Consideration

Vietnam's Ministry of Construction has directed specialized agencies and the My Thuan Project Management Board to urgently research and provide opinions on the investment plan for expanding the My Thuan-Can Tho Expressway to six lanes, utilizing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This initiative aims to significantly increase the traffic capacity of this vital artery within the Southern Vietnam economic corridor, thereby enhancing logistics efficiency and safety. The expressway is a crucial part of the route connecting Ho Chi Minh City to My Thuan and Can Tho, indispensable for supporting the economic development of southern Vietnam. However, the current four-lane configuration is increasingly unable to cope with the growing volume of traffic. The planned expansion will cover approximately 100 kilometers and is estimated to involve an investment of around 27 trillion VND (approximately $130 million, based on 1 USD = 155 VND). The adoption of the PPP model is part of the Vietnamese government's strategy to leverage private capital for infrastructure development. While Vietnam operates under a one-party system that historically prioritizes state-led development, it has recently been actively exploring PPPs to accelerate infrastructure projects and alleviate fiscal burdens. For large-scale undertakings like expressway construction, the expertise and financial resources of private companies are considered essential. Past projects, such as sections of the Ho Chi Minh City – Trung Luong – My Thuan Expressway, have faced delays due to land acquisition issues. Therefore, securing land smoothly and achieving consensus with local communities will be critical for the success of the My Thuan-Can Tho Expressway expansion. Vietnam maintains strong economic ties with China, but it also seeks to bolster its domestic economy and regional connectivity through infrastructure development to maintain geopolitical balance. The expansion of the My Thuan-Can Tho Expressway is expected to further invigorate the southern economic region of Vietnam. Source: Nhan Dan