Launching strategic infrastructure projects: A strong start

With a total investment capital of hundreds of thousands of billions of VND, this political determination is fueling expectations of breakthrough development, turning Lao Cai into a center of international economic trade connections.

The determination to turn the Resolution of the 1st Provincial Party Congress into reality is not just a slogan but is measured by speed and concrete actions. The province has quickly concretized the goal of becoming a "growth pole, a center for international economic trade connection..." into key projects.

Realizing that the goals of "green and harmonious" social development can only be achieved on a solid material foundation, Lao Cai province has determined to focus investment on strategic infrastructure. This determination is not only expressed in writing, but also through drastic actions and clear directional statements.

Accordingly, 3 infrastructure pillars are being launched simultaneously. The focus and the one that will change the logistics landscape is the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong standard gauge railway project.

With a total estimated capital of up to VND203,231 billion, the 1,435 mm gauge line (388 km long, 160 km/h speed) will be fully synchronized with the Chinese railway network. The most important item of the project is the new Lao Cai station, a 60-hectare international inland container depot (ICD) with 12 stations, expected to start construction on December 19, 2025.

The province has shown great determination, especially in site clearance at Dong Pho Moi Industrial Park, by proactively advancing VND590 billion from the local budget to speed up progress, break administrative deadlocks, and ensure the site is ready for the groundbreaking day.

Completing the final stage, Sa Pa Airport (level 4C, located in Bao Yen commune) plays the role of an aviation gateway for high-end tourism. The highlight of this 6,393.8 billion VND project is the province's political determination in removing capital obstacles.

By drastically restructuring the project according to the mixed PPP model, in which the state capital committed to participate up to 44.38% (nearly VND 2,856 billion), Lao Cai has made the project more attractive. The province is drastically speeding up the selection of investors, actively inviting experienced units to put the project into operation in the fourth quarter of 2025, taking advantage of the ready land.

Central ministries and branches also emphasized the importance and expressed interest in strategic transport projects.

Mr. Do Thanh Trung - Deputy Minister of Finance affirmed: "The Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway is of great importance to the process of socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security... creating a driving force to promote foreign economic development between ASEAN countries and China. The investment in upgrading and expanding the Yen Bai - Lao Cai section from 2 lanes to 4 lanes is very urgent and urgent in accordance with the Party's policy and the Prime Minister's direction".

Therefore, the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway expansion project, with a total capital of nearly 7,700 billion VND, was started on October 1, 2025. This is considered a vital project, aiming to relieve pressure on both the railway logistics system and air tourism, and is expected to be completed at lightning speed by the end of 2026.

This simultaneous launch is "igniting" great expectations in the business community and the people. From the business perspective, Mr. Nguyen Huy Long - Chairman of the Lao Cai Provincial Business Association said:

“The business community expects the province to prioritize strategic infrastructure investment, considering this a foundation to help reduce costs, increase competitiveness and expand the market."

Adding to this expectation, Mr. Vuong Trinh Quoc - Head of the Provincial Economic Zone Management Board, shared the goal of building a smart border gate. Mr. Quoc analyzed: “This is an inevitable requirement for Lao Cai to truly become a trade bridge between Vietnam and the ASEAN region with the Southwest region of China. The province has deployed the "digital border gate platform" since August 2023, initially "making the process transparent and shortening customs clearance time".

The further goal is to apply technology such as unmanned vehicles, with the expectation of "doubling customs clearance capacity, while reducing logistics costs by 20-30%. With the total value of import-export, trading and exchange of goods through border gates in just 10 months of 2025 reaching 2,472 million USD, this potential will truly explode when unleashed by new infrastructure".

The simultaneous launch of strategic infrastructure projects is a strong start, demonstrating Lao Cai's determination and vision in the new term. Turning expectations and breakthrough strategies into reality.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/khoi-dong-cac-du-an-xay-dung-ha-tang-chien-luoc-buoc-khoi-dau-manh-me-post887221.html