Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has directed the Ministry of Finance to review the awarding of a contract for a 7 km section of the Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh highway. This section, located in the former Binh Phuoc province (now Dong Nai), is part of a larger project with a total investment of nearly 1,500 billion VND. The contract in question has an estimated value of over 880 billion VND.

Rendering of the Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh highway passing through Binh Phuoc. Photo: *Investor*

Following the announcement of the winning bidder, Son Hai Group, one of the four bidders that was eliminated, filed a complaint requesting a review of the selection process. The Ministry of Finance was tasked with overseeing this review.

However, the Ministry's report submitted on 19/6 was deemed late and insufficient. The Ministry of Finance only verified the professional certifications of the bid evaluation committee, leaving the assessment of members' expertise and experience to the investor, instead of conducting a comprehensive evaluation as directed.

The Deputy Prime Minister has now requested a thorough review of the entire bidding process, including verification of compliance with regulations, a comprehensive assessment of the evaluation committee's expertise, experience, and number of members (going beyond mere certification checks), and a detailed analysis of the bid evaluation, appraisal, and approval process to ensure accuracy, objectivity, transparency, and cost-effectiveness.

Route of the Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh highway. Graphics: Do Nam

The Ministry of Finance is required to submit a revised report before 5/7, including specific recommendations on how to proceed, such as signing the contract with the selected bidder or requiring further documentation and process improvements.

Previously, the former Binh Phuoc province responded to Son Hai Group's complaint, stating that the company's bid was non-compliant and therefore rejected.

The nearly 69 km Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh highway passes through Ho Chi Minh City and the former Binh Duong province, significantly shortening the travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Chon Thanh compared to the existing 120 km National Highway 13.

Phuoc Tuan - Giang Anh