Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh has called for studies to fast-track the investment process for the Pleiku – Buon Ma Thuot – Gia Nghia section of the western North-South Expressway, targeting completion before 2030.

He also reached a consensus on implementing the project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the Ministry of Construction (MoC) serving as the competent state agency in charge.

During a meeting on May 25 regarding the investment plan for this key segment, Minister Minh emphasized that the expressway is envisioned as a "backbone" connecting the Central Highlands with seaports, border gates, and regional logistics corridors.

This infrastructure will facilitate the export of agricultural products, maximize the potential of local seaport systems, and strengthen national defense and security capabilities.

Aligning with proposals from leaders of Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong provinces, as well as the investor - Duc Long Gia Lai Group JSC, Minister Minh stressed that the project must be meticulously prepared with a solid legal foundation and a clear implementation roadmap.

Secretary of the Gia Lai Provincial Party Committee, Mr. Thai Dai Ngoc, stated that Gia Lai is committed to coordinating site clearance and resettlement efforts, with plans to allocate approximately VND3 trillion (approx. $114 million) to the project. 

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee, Mr. Ho Van Muoi, noted that while the province is currently balancing resources for several other major expressway projects—such as Lien Khuong – Bao Loc and Bao Loc – Tan Phu—it will still strive to allocate budget for this project to support the region's collective growth.

For Dak Lak, Provincial Party Secretary Luong Nguyen Minh Triet assessed that the 126km section passing through the province would unlock immense development potential for the heart of the Central Highlands.

Dak Lak agreed to implement the project during the 2026–2030 period under the PPP model, with a capital structure of 70% State funds and 30% from the investor. The province also committed to covering the entire cost of site clearance, estimated at over VND3.2 trillion (approx. $121.4 million).