This morning (May 12), Thai Binh Province hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ninh Binh - Hai Phong expressway segment passing through Nam Dinh and Thai Binh, along with the Hung Phu Industrial Park infrastructure project.

The expressway segment, with a total investment of approximately $790 million (VND 19.785 trillion), is currently the largest public-private partnership (PPP) project in Vietnam’s transport sector.

At the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the significance of the two projects, calling them major milestones in the region’s path toward industrialization, modernization, and sustainable economic development.

The expressway will enhance connectivity between southern Red River provinces and the northern Central region with Lach Huyen International Gateway Port in Hai Phong and coastal areas of the Red River Delta. It will also link up with Cat Bi and Van Don international airports, seaports, and international border gates.

Directing future tasks, the Prime Minister urged investors and contractors to remain united, committed, and highly efficient, stating: “If we’ve made efforts, we must make even greater ones; if we’ve been united, we must strengthen that unity further.” He called for maximum mobilization of equipment and manpower to ensure progress, quality, and cost control.

Prime Minister Chinh also recommended that Thai Binh Province expand its land reclamation plans for development, while Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, and Hai Phong closely coordinate to maximize the expressway’s effectiveness.

Drawing on lessons from previous expressway projects, he challenged stakeholders to cut at least six months from the construction schedule and complete the project by 2026.

The Hung Phu Industrial Park project, located in Nam Hung commune, Tien Hai district, Thai Binh province, spans 209.08 hectares with a total investment of over $91 million (VND 2.3 trillion), developed by Geleximco Hung Phu Industrial Park JSC. It boasts the fastest site clearance in the country - completed in just 55 days.

At the core of the industrial park is the GEL-O&J auto manufacturing plant, which will occupy 80 hectares and involve an $800 million investment. Phase one, expected by 2026, will focus on producing new energy vehicles under the Omoda & Jaecoo brands, signaling a long-term manufacturing presence in Vietnam.

Vu Van Tien, Chairman of Geleximco Group, pledged full financial commitment, on-schedule and quality construction, and lawful compliance. He also vowed to share financial risks with local authorities and prioritize social and environmental responsibility.

The Ninh Binh - Hai Phong expressway segment through Nam Dinh and Thai Binh stretches nearly 70km, including 27.6km in Nam Dinh and 33.3km in Thai Binh. Its starting point is at Km19+300, south of Da River Bridge in Nghia Thai commune, Nam Dinh; it ends at Km80+200 at the junction of National Route 37 and the coastal road in Thuy Trinh commune, Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh.

This is a four-lane expressway designed for speeds up to 120km/h, with a 24.75m-wide roadbed. The project includes 23 expressway bridges, 4 overpasses, and 7 interchanges.

Implemented under the PPP model, Thai Binh Province is the authorized state agency, while the investment consortium includes Geleximco, Vinaconex, Phuong Thanh Tranconsin, Naso CO, and Hoang Cau IIC.

Of the total $790 million (VND 19.785 trillion) investment, $248 million (VND 6.2 trillion) will come from the central budget, $127 million (VND 3.173 trillion) from local governments for land clearance and resettlement, with the remainder financed by investors.

Construction is scheduled to last 36 months, with completion expected by 2027 and full operation by 2028.

This expressway is part of Vietnam’s national road network plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050. It aims to connect major economic hubs and industrial zones while fostering modern, sustainable urban development. The project also enhances disaster response capacity, climate resilience, and national defense and security.

Hoai Anh