Vietnam to upgrade Ho Chi Minh Highway into expressway under new investment phase

The Ho Chi Minh Highway remains a strategic transport artery within Vietnam's infrastructure framework and will require substantial further investment to meet modern expressway standards, according to the country's road network master plan for 2021–2030 with vision extending to 2050.

The planned upgrade aligns with broader efforts to unlock land resources and accelerate socio-economic development across regions served by the corridor. Policymakers have identified the expressway conversion as essential to improving connectivity and supporting economic growth initiatives.

Legislators have cautioned that infrastructure and environmental improvements must proceed in tandem, warning against prioritizing economic gains at the expense of environmental protections during the law revision process. The National Assembly is considering draft resolutions that include special mechanisms designed to attract and retain talent in support of major development projects.

The transition to the new investment phase represents a key component of Vietnam's long-term transportation infrastructure strategy, with the expressway upgrade expected to enhance regional competitiveness and facilitate greater integration within the Southeast Asian transport network.