WB Proposes Finalizing Technical Issues for $260M Coastal Road in Vietnam

Representatives of the World Bank (WB) have met with authorities of Vietnam’s northern province of Thai Binh to discuss construction of coastal road linking Thai Binh with provinces of Nam Dinh, and Quang Ninh and Haiphong city. At the meeting, WB Country Director Victoria Kwakwa asked local authorities to soon complete technical issues which are considered basis for WB’s funding, the state-run Dau Tu online newspaper reported. The 44.5 kilometer road with an estimated investment of VND5.7 trillion ($259 million) is expected to ramp up transport infrastructure and shorten travelling time from Thai Binh to international seaports, airports and coastal economic zones. Scheduled to be kicked off in 2016 or 2017, the road runs through Thai Binh’s Thai Thuy and Tien Hai districts. It is considered to be crucial to Thai Binh’s economic development, particularly in the marine-based economy and service industry. The road is part of the third trans-Vietnam route after National Highway 1 and the Ho Chi Minh highway which stretches over 3,000 km from north to south. (baodautu.vn/ Apr 2)