ODA funding urged for key bridge in Mekong Delta region

The Ministry of Transport has sent a document to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc proposing the use of official development assistance for building Rach Mieu 2 bridge in the Mekong Delta region, reports baodautu.vn.
  • Vietnam remains attractive for investment in 2019: insider
  • Laos pledges to facilitate Vietnamese firms’ investment in agriculture
  • Binh Duong open for investment

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) made the proposal after the Rach Mieu 2 bridge project connecting the two provinces of Tien Giang and Ben Tre had proved financially unfeasible under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) investment format.

The document suggests PM Phuc assign both the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Ministry of Finance, to work alongside the MoT in order to seek official development assistance (ODA) and foreign concessional loans, with a view to hastening the implementation of the project.

oda funding urged for key bridge in mekong delta region hinh 0
Heavy traffic jams at the two-lane Rach Mieu bridge. (Photo: VIR)

The MoT attributed the unfeasible BOT execution of the Rach Mieu 2 bridge project to several ongoing BOT projects throughout National Highway 60 which stretches 115 km in total.

The first phase of Rach Mieu bridge project was inaugurated back in 2009 with toll collection underway on the Km4+617 section of the highway. 

Meanwhile, the second phase is being executed to expand four sections connecting Rach Mieu bridge to Co Chien bridge. This phase is scheduled to be completed during 2019 with toll collection lasting until 2034. 

Additionally, National Highway 60 is also home to the Co Chien bridge project which connects the two southern provinces of Ben Tre and Tra Vinh. This project was first put into service in 2015 with the toll collection expected to end by 2027.

The MoT had previously worked alongside Ben Tre province to find investors for the Rach Mieu 2 bridge project, including those who had invested in the Rach Mieu bridge project. However, this scheme failed as many potential financiers felt that the project had high levels of risk with unspecific returns on their investment.

Nguyen Nhat, MoT Deputy Minister, said that the use of the State budget to buy ongoing BOT projects along National Highway 60 is impossible as the country’s financial resources are limited. This also goes against the nation’s policy of incentivizing private investments in infrastructure projects.

Earlier, the MoT had met with representatives from the Republic of Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF). They revealed that the EDCF is likely to consider funding for the Rach Mieu 2 bridge project if the Vietnamese side makes a proposal.

The construction of Rach Mieu 2 bridge is an urgent need to ease traffic jams and boost socio-economic development in the Mekong Delta region as Rach Mieu bridge is currently overloaded.

VOV

Other News

A view of a container port in Singapore. (File photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Vietnam-Singapore trade cooperation gains fresh momentum

Analysts noted that Vietnam-Singapore ties are increasingly moving beyond traditional goods trade towards green growth, innovation and high-quality supply chains, laying a stronger foundation for more substantive and sustainable cooperation in the years ahead.

Vietnamese products make strong impression at Foodservice Australia 2026

Vietnamese products make strong impression at Foodservice Australia 2026

International visitors expressed positive impressions of Vietnamese products displayed at the fair. Nelma Sanjines, senior supervisor at ESP Catering in Sydney, praised the flavour of Vietnamese chilli sauce and soy sauce as well as the attractive packaging of confectionery products.

Digital technology helps standardise supply chains, sustain export competitiveness

Digital technology helps standardise supply chains, sustain export competitiveness

Experts noted that supply chain optimisation and risk management are no longer isolated tasks for individual companies but a requirement for the entire export ecosystem. With guidance from regulators, support from industry experts and their own efforts, Vietnamese exporters are expected to enhance their competitiveness and turn technical barriers and market volatility into opportunities for sustainable growth in global markets.

Vietnam seen as attractive investment destination for 2026–2035

Vietnam seen as attractive investment destination for 2026–2035

The article described Vietnam as strategically positioned along major regional maritime routes, including the East – West corridor linking the Americas, the Middle East, India and Europe, and the North – South corridor connecting China and Southeast Asia, helping make the country a gateway for international trade.

Eco-industrial parks seen as catalyst for higher-quality FDI

Eco-industrial parks seen as catalyst for higher-quality FDI

The eco-industrial park model will help Vietnam meet international environmental standards while creating opportunities to improve growth quality and economic competitiveness. Many multinational corporations now view green standards, emissions reduction and energy efficiency as key conditions when selecting investment destinations.

Promoting Vietnamese Brands at an International Food Fair in Gwangju

Promoting Vietnamese Brands at an International Food Fair in Gwangju

Alongside exhibition activities, trade promotion, and business networking programs, the “Gwangju Global Food Fair 2026” also witnessed the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Vietnam–Korea Businessmen & Investment Association (VKBIA) and the Gwangju Tourism Organization of South Korea.

Hanoi proposes subsidies to accelerate shift to electric vehicles

Hanoi proposes subsidies to accelerate shift to electric vehicles

Under a draft resolution currently open for public feedback by the municipal People’s Committee, residents with permanent or temporary residence registration in Hanoi for at least two consecutive years, who own petrol-powered motorbikes registered before the resolution takes effect, will be eligible for support when purchasing electric motorbikes priced at 10 million VND or more.

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.