We don’t have a highway that directly links the nation’s most northerly point in Lang Son Province to its most southeasterly point in Ca Mau Province.
Our neighbor China was able to develop a massive 4,000-kilometer highway system when its per capita gross domestic product was US$1,000.
Why aren’t we able to do the same?
The need for such a highway is critical. At a recent conference in Hanoi to discuss the development of Vietnam’s highways, experts warned that without a national road network, the country’s economy might begin going backwards.
There is no doubt that our road system desperately needs upgrading.
A deputy minister from the Ministry of Public Transportation says the ministry has submitted a plan to revamp the system by 2020.
Under the plan, Vietnam would end up with 20 highway sections totaling 5,873 kilometers that would connect most of the country’s vital areas.
The question is where do we get the money to fund such vital infrastructure?
Experts estimate we need $45 billion.
International agencies, such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, have committed to helping Vietnam.
But an official from the Ministry of Public Transportation says international donors can only afford to allocate one third of the money required.
Vietnam will have to develop policies to encourage private investment – not just aid funding – for roads.
If not, the dream of a national highway will remain just a dream.
Source: thanhnien
No comments:
Post a Comment