The development of transportation infrastructure in Tay Ninh not only facilitates travel but also plays a crucial role in stimulating the province's tourism industry.
VTC News interviewed Mr. Duong Van Thang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tay Ninh province, about how the synergy between transportation development and the tourism industry has created a comprehensive development ecosystem, making a positive contribution to the local economy .
The 30/4 road in Tay Ninh city has been expanded to 6 lanes. (Photo: Tay Ninh Newspaper)
- Sir, what solutions have contributed to the development of transportation in Tay Ninh province in recent years?
Transportation is a sector that must lead the way, paving the path for the development of other economic sectors. Experience has shown that localities with complete transportation infrastructure, meaning those with a system of highways, airports, and seaports, will develop rapidly and sustainably.
From this perspective and understanding, the 11th Party Congress of Tay Ninh province for the 2020-2025 term identified the development of transportation infrastructure as one of the province's breakthroughs. This is a very correct policy that has received the support of the people, and all sectors and levels of the political system have thoroughly understood and implemented it with utmost determination.
To realize this vision and understanding, the province has focused on mobilizing resources from the local budget, the central budget, and other social resources to develop transportation. Specifically, in the 2021-2025 period, the total provincial budget allocated for medium-term construction is 20,000 billion VND, but the province has specifically allocated 6,000 billion VND to transportation. In terms of proportion, this accounts for more than a quarter of the total development investment capital in the medium-term period.
Mr. Duong Van Thang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tay Ninh province. (Photo: Tay Ninh Newspaper)
In addition, the province strives to utilize and leverage central government funding to invest in projects within the province. For example, the border patrol road project, with the Ministry of National Defense and Military Region 7 as the main investor, had a total investment of over 1,500 billion VND in the first phase.
Currently, over 160km of the road has been constructed. This project is of great significance for national defense and security, and also for the people in border areas in terms of economic and social development. With the road completed, the people are very happy; they can feel secure in their production and lives because the infrastructure is now complete.
Most recently, the province, in coordination with the Ministry of Transport, commenced the construction of the Ho Chi Minh Highway project, specifically the Chau Thanh - Duc Hoa section. This project spans approximately 20km within Tay Ninh province, with an investment of around 2,300 billion VND. This is a crucial project; upon completion, it will connect Tay Ninh with the Southeast, Southwest, and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam.
- In your opinion, which transportation infrastructure projects will contribute to the positive transformation of transportation in Tay Ninh?
Firstly, there is Provincial Road 744 connecting Tay Ninh and Binh Duong, with a total investment of 1,800 billion VND to connect with Binh Duong. This is an important project aimed at increasing regional connectivity and promoting socio-economic development in the southeastern provinces.
Secondly, there is the project connecting with Binh Phuoc province - Highway 794. Currently, phase 2 of investment is underway, involving the expansion and upgrading of this road.
Panoramic view of Long Hoa Market and Ba Den Mountain. (Photo: Le Viet Khanh)
Thirdly, Tay Ninh is also investing capital to connect with Long An's Road 838C. Once these roads are completed, travel time to Long An, Binh Phuoc, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City will be faster, saving time and costs for people and businesses.
The next priority routes are internal roads. Tay Ninh has invested in roads 793 and 792, running from Tay Ninh City to Tan Bien and Tan Chau districts and up to the Chang Riec border gate; and road 795 connecting Tan Bien and Tan Chau districts has also been completed...
In addition to regional, inter-provincial, and inter-district connecting roads, Tay Ninh has also focused on urban beautification projects in recent years. For example, the 30/4 road, with its six lanes, is very beautiful. This is the first project in the province to underground all telecommunications, electricity, and water infrastructure and extend it to Hoa Thanh district and surrounding areas.
All these projects have contributed to changing the urban landscape, and the city and its people are very supportive. Because these projects are well-planned and complete, people can rest assured that they won't have to move back and forth, and businesses will have more favorable conditions compared to the old, un-upgraded roads.
What factors play a crucial role in improving the province's road transport system?
The first factor stems from the perspective of unified, decisive action and the solidarity and unity of the entire political system and the people of the province. The reason we say the people of the province are united is because, over the past period, local authorities have campaigned and educated the people, realizing this through new, modern, and well-equipped infrastructure, which has greatly pleased the people.
In the border patrol road project, even when the project wasn't ready, and sometimes compensation hadn't been paid yet, people still handed over their land to the contractor. They thought this was a road to demonstrate national sovereignty, security, and defense, so they were very relaxed about it, which truly moved us.
From the border patrol road project to subsequent domestic projects, the people were largely in agreement, although there were some suggestions to review the prices and land areas, but these were only a few, while the majority supported the projects.
Border patrol route in Tay Ninh. (Photo: Tay Ninh Newspaper)
The people's consensus has led to rapid land clearance, quick disbursement of funds, and successful project implementation. This is evidenced by Tay Ninh's ranking among the top provinces in terms of disbursement in recent years.
Specifically, in 2022 and 2023, Tay Ninh was also one of the 15 provinces and cities with the highest disbursement rate of public investment capital according to the Prime Minister's plan. In 2023, it was in the top 10 for on-schedule disbursement in both the 6-month and 9-month periods.
The second crucial factor was the decisive and focused implementation. The province established a Breakthrough Steering Committee, with transportation as a key focus, chaired by the Provincial Party Secretary. Following this, a Task Force was formed, headed by the Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, with relevant departments as members.
This team is responsible for directing, inspecting, and resolving obstacles and difficulties in key infrastructure projects. They also hold monthly meetings with investors from the provincial to the district level to hear reports on capital disbursement, address difficulties and obstacles, and consider suggestions for the quickest possible solutions.
The third factor is that the province has established a land clearance committee for key infrastructure projects. Since its establishment, this committee has brought about a transformation in land clearance work.
Another important factor is the establishment of a working exchange group comprising provincial leaders, department directors, and local leaders to facilitate specific discussions within the group.
For example, if a unit or locality is facing difficulties with land clearance, delayed payments to residents, or contractors are working slowly, they will bring the issue to the group to discuss, resolve obstacles, and find solutions.
- Which key projects in the transportation sector are prioritized and will significantly contribute to the province's development in 2024, sir?
Firstly, there is the Ho Chi Minh City - Moc Bai expressway project, which the Party Committee and the Government of Tay Ninh province have identified as extremely important for the province's economic and social planning.
This highway will not only benefit the two localities but is also important for the entire Southeast region. Once completed, it will connect the Phnom Penh - Bau Bang highway, linking Phnom Penh to other countries.
Tay Ninh province is very interested in and has coordinated very well with Ho Chi Minh City to implement this project. Currently, the project is being appraised by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and it is likely that it will be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval of the investment policy this year.
Panoramic view of Tay Ninh city. (Photo: Duong Vinh Tuyen)
The second project that Tay Ninh is implementing is the Go Dau to Xa Mat international border gate expressway. Currently, the feasibility study report is available, and efforts are being made to hold a meeting soon. The government has assigned Tay Ninh the authority to decide on investment in this project under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Accordingly, the province will fund land acquisition, and the investor will provide capital for operation, maintenance, and toll collection.
Thirdly, Tay Ninh will focus on completing two component projects of the inter-provincial road network 787B, 789, and N8. These are important routes connecting Tay Ninh to Long An through many districts of the province, with a total investment of over 3,000 billion VND. These projects have commenced and are striving to be completed in 2024.
- In recent times, the number of tourists visiting Tay Ninh has been increasing significantly. Is the development of transportation in the area a major contributing factor to this?
Currently, the number of tourists visiting the Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area has reached 5 million. Every day, every month, every year, when tourists return to Tay Ninh, they see changes and differences in the transportation infrastructure.
Improved transportation infrastructure reduces travel time and costs for tourists, leading to a significant increase in the number of visitors to the province each year.
Furthermore, Tay Ninh's tourism sector has received systematic investment, and increasingly attractive products have contributed to the growing number of tourists visiting Tay Ninh.
Thank you, sir!
Hoang Tho
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