A report from the Ministry of Construction at the National Steering Committee for National Key Projects and Major Transportation Sector Projects meeting on 9/12 stated that the Ministry of National Defense has finalized the research dossier for building an airport on Tho Chu island, submitting it to competent authorities for investment plan consideration.
Tho Chu island, part of Tho Chau special zone, An Giang province, is located over 100 km from Phu Quoc special zone. It serves as a strategic outpost in the Southwest sea region. The Tho Chau archipelago has a total area of nearly 1,394 ha and a population of about 1,800 people. Tho Chu is the largest island, spanning 1,249 ha, and functions as the administrative, economic, and national defense center of the special zone.
Previously, on 19/11, General Secretary To Lam visited Tho Chau special zone and emphasized that "this place is a linchpin for maintaining peace in the entire Southwest sea region and the national border". He requested the Ministry of National Defense to conduct a feasibility study for a category 4C dual-use airport, capable of serving aircraft such as A320 and A321. He also asked for calculations on potential expansion to category 4E in the future to accommodate wide-body aircraft like the A350 and B787. The objective is to develop Tho Chau into a strategic stronghold within the Southwest regional defense system.
Currently, travel from the mainland to Tho Chu is primarily by sea, heavily dependent on weather conditions, leading to extended travel times. Tho Chu lacks an airport and air access, which poses significant limitations for rescue operations, medical services, national defense and security, as well as economic and tourism development.
Tho Chau archipelago from above. Photo: Phuong Vu |
Tho Chau archipelago from above. Photo: Phuong Vu
Also at the meeting, the Ministry of Construction announced the completion of procedures to commence construction on the TP HCM - Trung Luong - My Thuan expressway. TP HCM will break ground on the TP HCM - Moc Bai expressway, and Lam Dong will commence construction on the Tan Phu - Bao Loc expressway on 19/12. Hung Yen province has collaborated with neighboring localities to finalize plans for material exploitation to serve the Ninh Binh - Hai Phong expressway. Nghe An has submitted the investment policy for the Vinh - Thanh Thuy expressway to the National Assembly.
Several key projects, including the Bai Vot - Cam Lo expressway, Van Phong - Nha Trang expressway, and Tan Son Nhat Terminal 3 passenger terminal, are being accelerated and are scheduled for early completion.
By the end of this year, the country expects to complete 3,803 km of expressways, comprising 3,345 km of main routes and 458 km of access roads. By 19/12, the country had completed and technically opened 3,513 km of expressways and about 1,700 km of coastal roads. Long Thanh airport has finalized all component projects for technical flight operations.
On 19/12, 245 projects and works across 34 provinces and cities simultaneously commenced construction, with a total investment of approximately 1.345 quadrillion VND.
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired the National Steering Committee for National Key Projects and Major Transportation Sector Projects meeting on the morning of 9/12. Photo: Nhat Bac |
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired the National Steering Committee for National Key Projects and Major Transportation Sector Projects meeting on the morning of 9/12. Photo: Nhat Bac
Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh commended the officials, engineers, and workers at the construction sites for overcoming difficulties caused by recent natural disasters and floods. He also thanked the public for their agreement and support in implementing the projects.
The Prime Minister requested the completion of the target to operate at least 3,000 km of expressways and about 1,700 km of coastal roads in the coming period. For Long Thanh airport, the Government leader called for technical flight operations by 19/12 and commercial operations in early 2026.
Additionally, a series of expressway projects need early preparation and submission for investment policy approval, including Bac Kan - Cao Bang, Hoa Binh - Moc Chau, Cam Lo - Lao Bao, and Quang Ngai - Kon Tum. Investment procedures and site clearance for the Bac Kan - Cao Bang, Hoa Binh - Moc Chau, Cam Lo - Lao Bao, Vinh - Thanh Thuy, and Quang Ngai - Kon Tum routes also need acceleration. Furthermore, the Hoa Lac - Hoa Binh expressway and the Gia Binh airport connection road are slated for expansion.
Vu Tuan
