On the afternoon of 10 November, at its second session, the National Assembly debated the investment policy for three expressway projects: Bao Ha–Lai Chau (Bao Ha–Tan Phong section), Quang Ngai–Kon Tum, and Moc Chau–Son La–Dien Bien (the section through Son La province). According to the Government's submission presented by Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh, the three routes total about 430.5 km.

Scale and funding

The preliminary total investment is about VND162.393 trillion under the public investment model; the Government plans to allocate about VND119.398 trillion from the central budget for 2026–2030. The routes will have four expressway lanes as planned, design speeds of 80–100 km/h, and be split into 14 component projects. The plan calls for investment preparation in 2026–2027, site clearance and groundbreaking in 2027, basic completion in 2030 and operation in 2031.

Connecting disadvantaged regions

According to Minister Tran Hong Minh, the expressways would cut travel time by about 50–60% compared with national highways. The routes will link to border gates including Tay Trang, Chieng Khuong, Long Sap, Ma Lu Thang and Bo Y, opening room for border trade, tourism and investment in mountainous areas.

Lawmakers call for sharing the counterpart-funding burden

According to the verification report cited by Bnews, Lai Chau province must arrange more than VND2 trillion in counterpart funds, equal to 38.7% of its 2026–2030 medium-term public investment plan, while its annual local budget revenue is only just over VND2 trillion. Deputy Ha Thi Anh Thu (Quang Ngai delegation) backed the first phase of about 132 km and asked for the missing central budget share to be covered. Deputy Duong Khac Mai (Lam Dong delegation) proposed that the central budget fund all or part of site clearance costs. VnExpress reported that the National Assembly is expected to approve the projects' investment policy on 21 November.

Key takeaways