PM calls for 100% disbursement of public investment funds this year
Priority will be given to key projects such as highways, high-speed rail, airports, seaports, and infrastructure for education, health and social services.
THE HANOI TIMES — Ministries and local authorities are expected to disburse all public investment funds in 2025, instead of the previously set target of 95%, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the conference. Photo: VGP
This year, the government has assigned a public investment plan of about VND829.4 trillion (US$33.18 billion) to ministries and localities, which is 100% of the allocation approved by the National Assembly.
Speaking at the Public Investment conference on May 20, Chinh emphasized that all ministries and localities must fully disburse their allocated funds by the end of 2025.
"The rate of public investment disbursement will serve as a critical criterion to measure task performance. Officials who fail to meet their targets will be held accountable," he said.
As of April 30, the total nationwide disbursement is estimated to be US$5.14 billion, or 15.56% of the plan. Although this rate is slightly lower than the same period in 2024 (16.64%), the absolute value of disbursements is about US$720 million higher.
Currently, 10 ministries and central agencies and 36 provinces and cities have above-average disbursement rates. Priority is being given to key projects such as expressways, high-speed railways, airports, seaports, and infrastructure for education, healthcare, and social services.
However, 17 ministries and 21 localities have not fully disbursed their allotted capital, totaling nearly US$320 million. In addition, 37 ministries and agencies and 27 localities have disbursed less than the national average. Several major projects have been delayed, such as the Tuyen Quang-Phu Tho Expressway connecting to the Noi Bai-Lao Cai Expressway; Hoa Binh-Moc Chau-Son La; Gia Nghia-Chon Thanh; Ring Road 4 in Ho Chi Minh City; and the Tan Phu-Bao Loc and Bao Loc-Lien Khuong sections.
The prime minister noted that several obstacles continue to hinder the disbursement of public investment funds, including delays in site clearance, technical standards, material supply shortages, and challenges in ODA disbursement. Monitoring and enforcement remain inconsistent, while some agencies and localities remain passive, evasive, or slow to respond to government directives.
Vietnam plans to complete 3,000 km of highways and 1,000 km of coastal roads this year, inaugurate Phase 1 of Long Thanh International Airport, and begin construction of the Hanoi-Lao Cai-Haiphong railway.
Cat Linh - Ha Dong metro line in Hanoi. Photo: Hai Linh/The Hanoi Times
Disbursement of public investment funds remains a key factor in achieving this year's economic growth targets. The prime minister has asked all ministries and localities to urgently resolve bottlenecks and develop a database to monitor public investment.
To accelerate progress, he ordered that the entire political system be involved in land clearance. Provincial Party secretaries must directly supervise difficult and complex projects. The Ministries of Agriculture and Environment, and Construction must issue guidelines, while provincial governments must ensure an adequate supply of basic construction materials. Relevant ministries must finalize technical standards, norms and pricing frameworks by June 15.
Chinh also ordered agencies to hold special meetings to resolve outstanding planning issues. Ministries must quickly revise regulations on the decentralization of authority to manage public investment projects, especially in areas where administrative boundaries or local government structures have recently changed.
The Ministry of Finance is tasked with revising regulations on ODA and bidding procedures, while all agencies and localities must increase accountability in selecting qualified and reputable contractors.
The Ministry of Construction will coordinate preparations for groundbreaking and inauguration ceremonies for 80 national projects to mark the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2.
The prime minister emphasized the importance of adhering to project schedules and quality, avoiding cost overruns, and ensuring compliance with technical, aesthetic, safety, and environmental standards, especially in preventing corruption and malfeasance.
In addition, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Finance will review the performance of all agencies and localities in the disbursement of public investment funds in 2024. Any agency that fails to fulfill its duties will face disciplinary measures in accordance with the prime minister's directive.
