Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc was in attendance for a groundbreaking ceremony on September 30 to mark the start of construction on sections of the Eastern North-South Expressway in Thanh Hoa province. 

PM Phuc addresses the groundbreaking ceremony 

Upon addressing the event, PM Phuc highlighted efforts put in by relevant ministries and agencies to speed up the implementation of necessary procedures as part of the project, while also underlining the importance of transport infrastructure as part of the country's economic development.

Most notably, the North-South expressway is a key national project that prioritises investment in the 2017- 2020 period and consists of 11 sub-projects.

The aim of project is to connect three key economic regions, major economic and industrial zones nationwide, and contribute to promoting greater socio-economic development, therefore enhancing the national economy’s competitive edge in the context of closer international integration.

Furthermore, the building of the highway is anticipated to help reduce traffic congestion, connect to other modern projects, and create jobs for local workers.

At present, three sub-projects, including Mai Son - Highway 45, Vinh Hao - Phan Thiet, and Phan Thiet - Dau Giay have all completed their procedures and are eligible to get construction underway, with the sub-projects expected to put into operation by the end of 2022.

The same day, the Ministry of Transport, in co-ordination with the People's Committee of Binh Thuan and Dong Nai provinces, held groundbreaking ceremonies for the sub-projects of Vinh Hao - Phan Thiet  and Phan Thiet - Dau Giay.