HANOI: Vietnam’s construction sector is pushing to deliver more mega, world-class projects, boosting its global reputation and ushering the nation into a new era of expansion, officials say.
According to the Construction Ministry more than 120 large-scale projects of national significance have been completed over the past four decades.
Many of them feature innovative structural designs, new construction techniques, and cutting-edge technologies, some introduced in Vietnam for the first time or holding regional importance.
Iconic projects include the Hoa Binh, Yaly, Son La, and Lai Chau hydropower plants; Can Tho Bridge, Dung Quat Refinery, Bai Chay Bridge, Cai Lan Port, Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway, Vung Tau 4 thermal power plant, Ho Chi Minh City-Trung Luong Expressway, Nhat Tan Bridge, Hai Van and Deo Ca tunnels, and Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat international airports.
More recently, the North-South Expressway, and Nhon-Hanoi station and Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban railway lines have stood out.
Speaking at a recent meeting on accelerating infrastructure development, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh commended Vietnamese contractors for their pivotal role in the achievements.
Nguyen Quoc Hiep, chairman of the Vietnam Association of Construction Contractors, said that over the past two decades, Vietnam’s construction market had been dominated by companies from Europe, the United States, Japan, and South Korea, which had been involved in major projects, either directly or indirectly.
However, domestic companies had gained valuable expertise and project-management skills from top international contractors through joint ventures as partners or subcontractors.
Vietnamese firms had over recent years taken the lead in major domestic projects like the North-South Expressway, the Landmark 81 skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City, the Lego Group’s manufacturing plant in Binh Duong Province, and Long Thanh International Airport.
“These tangible results serve as the foundation for the government’s strong confidence in the growth of domestic contractors, especially when it comes to entrusting Vietnamese enterprises with major projects,” Hiep said.
“If provided with supportive mechanisms, domestic firms are fully capable of delivering large-scale, internationally benchmarked projects such as the North-South high-speed railway”.
At present, Vietnam’s construction market is considered a “lucrative opportunity” for international contractors.
Therefore, promoting construction localisation is a long-term vision to pool domestic resources and enhance Vietnam’s economic competitiveness. — Viet Nam News/ANN
