Deputy PM calls for acceleration of key transport projects in 2020

Specifically he requested the MOT to work with the city governments concerned with accelerating urban rail projects, especially the Cat Linh-Ha Dong line in Hanoi.

The Deputy PM also asked for a quick selection of investors for the eastern section of the North-South Expressway as well as a faster and more efficient process in the upgrade of Tan Son Nhat Airport and construction of Long Thanh Airport.

Dung was speaking at a MOT conference on January 2 to review its performance in 2019 and outline the tasks for the new year.

He commended the ministry’s contributions to the overall economic growth in the past year but noted that there is much still that needs to be done.

According to MOT Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan, the ministry aims to spend VND35.3 trillion (US$1.52 billion) worth of public investment on transport projects in 2020.

He pledged that his ministry will rapidly make the necessary preparations so that construction of Long Thanh Airport can begin soon and promptly address concerns over the feasibility of the North-South high-speed rail project.

The ministry will also target a growth of 8-9% in cargo and passenger transport in 2020 while taking various measures to reduce road accidents and traffic congestions in large cities, especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.