Minister Tran Hong Minh: From 3,000km of expressways to mega-projects of railways and airports.

The year 2025 concludes with the milestone of completing 3,000km of expressways. Simultaneously, many major infrastructure projects in aviation, railways, and seaports have clearly defined timelines, laying the foundation for the next phase of breakthroughs.

On the eve of his new term with many strategic projects, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh spoke with VietNamNet about the foundation, expectations, and vision for the development of the national key transportation infrastructure system.

Minister Tran Hong Minh. Photo: Ministry of Construction

Building upon the achievements of 3,000km of highways.

- Mr. Minister, in 2025, the construction and infrastructure sector will mark a milestone with the completion of the 3,000km expressway target. How will this result lay the foundation for the next phase?

The 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam set a target of having approximately 5,000km of expressways nationwide by 2030. To realize this goal, the National Assembly and the Government have developed a specific roadmap, which requires achieving approximately 3,000km by 2025.

This is an extremely challenging task. Entering the 2021-2025 term, after more than 15 years of implementation, the whole country only has about 1,163km of expressways. Therefore, in 5 years, nearly 2,000km more must be completed, equivalent to an average of about 400km per year – five times higher than the previous period.

Under the decisive leadership of the Party, the State, and the Government , this goal has been achieved. This result has created a solid foundation in three aspects.

Firstly, the capacity of infrastructure construction companies has significantly improved. Many domestic contractors have mastered new technologies and invested in modern equipment; the team of engineers and workers is becoming increasingly professional.

Secondly, the organizational and implementation capacity of state management agencies has been strengthened, especially in land clearance, relocation of technical infrastructure, and securing material supplies. Coordination between the central and local governments has become increasingly close and effective.

Thirdly, practical implementation has become a "measure" for institutional improvement. Many obstacles related to planning, investment, construction, and bidding have been removed, contributing to the formation of a comprehensive and transparent legal framework for rapid and sustainable development.

  Shaping a strategic airport network

- Mr. Minister, key aviation projects such as Long Thanh International Airport, Gia Binh International Airport, and Phu Quoc International Airport are entering a crucial phase. What role will these projects play in 2026?

In the context of rapidly increasing travel and logistics needs, especially as Vietnam prepares to host APEC 2027, these projects are of particular importance.

Long Thanh Airport is targeted to be operational in 2026, creating a breakthrough in infrastructure capacity and relieving congestion at Tan Son Nhat Airport. Photo: Hoang Anh

For Long Thanh Airport, the overarching goal is to put it into operation in 2026, creating a breakthrough in infrastructure capacity and relieving congestion at Tan Son Nhat. For Gia Binh Airport, the focus is on completing essential facilities to serve high-level diplomatic and reception activities during APEC. Phu Quoc Airport aims for completion in 2027, laying the groundwork for the island to develop into an international tourism and service center.

In the long term, according to the Master Plan for the Development of the Airport System for the period 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050, the country is expected to have 31 airports by 2030 and 34 airports by 2050. The goal is for 100% of the population in the delta region and 95% of the population in the mountainous region to have access to an airport within a 100km radius.

In particular, the infrastructure will form two international air transport hubs in the Capital Region (Noi Bai – Gia Binh cluster) and the Ho Chi Minh City Region (Tan Son Nhat – Long Thanh cluster), strengthening regional connectivity and optimizing investment efficiency.

The selection of a consortium of consultants comes from the country that ranks second in the world for high-speed rail.

- What role will major railway projects like the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong line play in 2026, sir?

2026 is a pivotal year in the investment preparation phase for the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong route. The Ministry will complete the Feasibility Study Report – the basis for determining the route alignment, scale, technical standards, total investment cost, and socio-economic effectiveness assessment.

Simultaneously, the technical design of several priority items is being implemented, funding is being arranged and mobilized, and the necessary conditions for construction are being prepared.

- Regarding the North-South high-speed railway project, what are the Ministry's goals and expectations for 2026 and the next term?

The North-South high-speed railway is a national strategic project, belonging to a group of large-scale projects worldwide. The Ministry has selected a leading consulting consortium from Spain – the world's second-largest developer of high-speed railways.

Mr. Tran Hong Minh: The Ministry has selected a leading consulting consortium from Spain – the world's second-largest developer of high-speed rail. Photo: Ministry of Construction

In 2026, the goal is to complete the selection of consultants to prepare the Feasibility Study Report. This will serve as the basis for determining the optimal route, station locations in relation to urban development and administrative boundary adjustments; and for selecting appropriate technology and developing a feasible and sustainable investment roadmap.

Prioritize strategic seaport projects.

- Along with road, air, and rail transport, the seaport system plays a crucial role in the development of national logistics. In the coming period, which major seaport projects will be prioritized, and what are the Ministry of Construction's goals to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese seaports?

Currently, Vietnam has established two international gateway ports capable of receiving the world's largest container ships: the Lach Huyen port area and the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port area.

In the coming period, the Ministry will focus on completing these two port areas; at the same time, it will prioritize strategic projects such as the Can Gio, Lien Chieu, Hon Khoai, Nam Do Son, Van Phong, and Tran De international transshipment ports… gradually forming a large-scale seaport network and participating more deeply in the global logistics chain.

The focus is on strengthening the connection between seaports and railways and inland waterways; reforming administrative procedures; improving operational efficiency, and reducing logistics costs for the economy.

  Infrastructure is the foundation for sustainable growth.

- Minister, what role will infrastructure, especially transportation, play in achieving the growth target of over 10% per year in the new term?

International experience shows that a country aiming for rapid and sustainable development must rely on a synchronized and modern infrastructure system, in which transportation plays a particularly important role. With a growth target of over 10% per year, infrastructure is not only a necessary condition but also a decisive foundation for long-term competitiveness.

The Ministry of Construction is continuing to promote decentralization and delegation of power to localities, fostering initiative and mobilizing social resources.

Thank you, sir!

Vietnamnet.vn

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/bo-truong-tran-hong-minh-tu-3-000-km-cao-toc-den-sieu-du-an-duong-sat-san-bay-2490940.html