Despite the efforts to attract private sector investment into infrastructure projects, 50% of the investment are still sourced from the state budget and ODA loans, while drivers still suffer from high road tolls. 50% of the investment are still sourced from the state budget and ODA loans Total investment into road constructions have reached USD14.2bn of which USD7bn has been sourced from the state budget or ODA loans, according to a report from the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM). In order to boost the country’s development, infrastructure must be improved. According to the Ministry of Transport, total investment needed to develop infrastructure until 2020 is estimated at USD48bn. However, the state budget can only afford 28% of the projected costs. The private sector has helped to improve the infrastructure recently but there are still many shortcomings. According to the CIEM, out of the USD14.2bn investment for road construction, USD7bn is sourced from the … [Read more...] about Vietnam fails to tame road costs
High road
Motorbikes involved in 70 per cent of road accidents
More than 70 per cent of traffic accidents in Vietnam involve motorbikes, according to the vice-chairman of the National Steering Committee on Traffic Safety, Khuat Viet Hung. Motorbikes are the most popular means of transport for many Vietnamese people. However, more than 70 per cent of traffic accidents in Vietnam involve the two-wheelers. The vice-chairman told a press conference yesterday said that better management of traffic was needed. He also admitted that many roads had been poorly built. He was speaking about the organisation of a conference next week to promote measures to improve management. Motorbikes are the most popular means of transport for Vietnamese because they are so cheap, flexible and mobile. At present, they account for more than 85 per cent of the total number of vehicles operating nationwide. Hung said that as motorbikes began to increase because of socio-economic development, the quality of a number of roads started to decline. He admitted that many … [Read more...] about Motorbikes involved in 70 per cent of road accidents
Taking the high road
Vietnam is not a country short of spectacular landscapes and history. But, while the country and its people strive to become more modern and developed, many have started to forget Vietnam's true beauty and past. The Hai Van Pass is one site drenched in history and beauty that remains. Even with the introduction of the Hai Van Tunnel in 2005 that makes the journey from Da Nang to Hue much shorter, many bus drivers and motorists choose to travel along the picturesque mountain road steeped in history and with panoramic views of Da Nang. Hai Van (sea clouds) Pass is located on National Highway 1A at the border of Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang City and is part of the Truong Son Range. Its history begins in 1306, before which, it belonged to the Champa Kingdom. In the summer of that year, the beautiful Princess Huyen Tran, daughter of King Tran Nhan Tong, agreed to marry King Che Man of Champa, at the request of her father. In return, King Che Man, also known as Jaya Sinhavarman … [Read more...] about Taking the high road
Ha Long from on high
Today, you can explore Ha Long Bay from unprecedented heights by going on a helicopter tour. Ha Long Bay is the jewel in Vietnam’s tourism crown, a stunning geological formation that captivates even the most travel weary and jaded of visitors. Most people usually take a cruise around the bay. You can choose one or two night trips to enjoy the mesmerising scenery and discover wonderful coves and islets or simply enjoy the views from the top deck of your boat. As a repeat visitor I wouldn’t say I’m tired of Ha Long, but I was certainly eager to discover another side of the UNESCO World Heritage Site when a friend told me about the Luxury Travel Company’s helicopter tour. This would be a great opportunity to fly over the bay and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the limestone karst islets which, according to legend are the shards of diamond and jade, that were spat out by a family of dragons sent from heaven to help protect Vietnam from foreign invaders. I was … [Read more...] about Ha Long from on high
Road connecting provinces of VN, Laos inaugurated
Deputy PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (center) attends the inauguration ceremony of the 2E Road, Mouang Khua, Phongsaly Province, Laos, February 23, 2013 – Photo: VGP/Le Son The road was put into operation on the occasion of Vietnamese Deputy PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s working visit to Laos. The road was designed to connect provinces in the North of Laos to the East Sea and become part of the corridor linking Viet Nam, Laos and Myanmar. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy PM Phuc confirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State and people always treasure the traditional relations and comprehensive cooperation with Laos. For his part, Lao Deputy PM Somsavat Lengsavad asserted that, the construction of Highway 2E, under Viet Nam’s assistance and support, will help facilitate travel, transport of cargos, tourism and investment between northern Viet Nam and northern Laos. Earlier, the two Deputy PMs had a meeting where they reviewed and highly applauded outcomes of … [Read more...] about Road connecting provinces of VN, Laos inaugurated