Ho Chi Minh City assigns Vingroup to research Can Gio-Vung Tau sea-crossing road project

The new Ho Chi Minh City was formed by merging the old city with the former Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Binh Duong Provinces in July.

The approval document, signed by vice-chairman Bui Xuan Cuong, authorizes Vingroup to develop the project proposal under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

According to the city’s directive, Vingroup must fully finance the research and preparation of the investment report without using municipal funds.

The group is given a 12-month period from the issuance of the approval document to complete the report and submit it to the competent authorities for consideration.

If the report is not approved after appraisal or if the group fails to complete it within the 12-month time frame, the assignment will be considered withdrawn.

In such a case, Vingroup must bear all expenses incurred without any right to claim compensation.

During the research phase, the city requests that Vingroup carefully consider and incorporate all professional feedback from relevant departments and agencies to ensure that the final report meets technical, environmental, and legal standards.

The research findings may be transferred to the city for use as reference materials in future project development if necessary.

The authorization to prepare the detailed plan for the project does not guarantee that Vingroup will be selected as the final project investor.

Once the research phase is complete, the city will conduct an open and lawful selection process to determine the implementing investor.

The municipal administration assigned various departments to coordinate closely and guide the investor during the research process.

Following the administrative merger, the need for a direct coastal link has become increasingly urgent, Vingroup said in its previous proposal.

The Can Gio-Vung Tau corridor holds strategic significance for Vietnam’s maritime economy, tourism industry, and ecological urban development.

However, the city’s transport infrastructure remains underdeveloped, relying heavily on ferries and long detour routes.

Vingroup said that constructing a sea-crossing bridge or coastal road would dramatically shorten travel time between the two areas and create a new transportation corridor linking key functional zones within the city.

The project is expected to unlock new opportunities for economic, commercial, tourism, and sustainable urban development along the coastal belt.

Can Gio emerges as infrastructure hub

Once considered a remote and isolated corner of Ho Chi Minh City with no direct road connection, Can Gio is now on track to become a new gateway and development hub for the city during the 2025-30 period.

Alongside the major ongoing land reclamation project, several key infrastructure initiatives are being studied or implemented, including the Rung Sac interchange connecting to Ben Luc-Long Thanh Expressway, Can Gio Bridge, the Ben Thanh-Can Gio high-speed rail line, and now the proposed Can Gio-Vung Tau sea-crossing road.