Mekong improves transport capability
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RAPID development of transport systems in the last five years in the Mekong Delta has improved passenger and cargo transportation and contributed to regional growth.
Since 2010, total regional passenger transportation has reached 4.6 billion, for an annual increase of 4.4 per cent, and 468 million tonnes of cargo, for annual growth of 4.9 per cent.
During the 2010-15 period, the central government invested about 59 trillion dong for transport construction in the Mekong Delta.
In addition, other financial resources were channelled into transport and infrastructure construction, including five official development assistance (ODA) projects with capital of 39 trillion dong to link Rach Gia city, Mekong Delta provinces of Kien Giang and Ca Mau, and the Vam Cong and Cao Lanh bridges in Dong Thap province.
Seven other projects under the build-operate-transfer model at a total investment of 23 trillion dong are under construction.
The Transport Ministry has finished four aviation projects with investment of 5.4 trillion dong, with annual growth of 16.5 per cent for passengers and 187 per cent for airline cargo.
The completion of the Can Tho and Phu Quoc international airports has created favourable conditions for the Mekong Delta to approach the rest of the world.
“In the past, waterways were the most popular means of transportation from the Mekong Delta region to HCM City and other regions.
“But now, local residents can fly abroad from Can Tho or Phu Quoc. It’s fantastic,” Nguyen Van The, secretary of Soc Trang province’s Party Committee, was quoted as saying in the Saigon Giai Phong (Liberated Saigon) newspaper.
“If the Mekong Delta wants to develop, transport infrastructure must be good enough, especially for domestic waterways, the strength of the delta,” Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh said.
He said the seaport system and waterway routes were the most convenient and cheapest transportation.
In the coming time, the government will continue to invest in important construction projects in the region, and complete a legal framework to lure more social capital.
During the 2016-20 period, public investment will be reduced and more ODA and other capital resources will be sought. Total needed capital will be 86.5 trillion dong, of which 65 trillion dong will be spent for road systems.
Domestic waterways will receive more attention, and a railway system will possibly be built in the region.
