Ninh Bình Province's booth at the Việt Nam National Exhibition Centre in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photos Quốc Khánh

Hạnh Quỳnh

HÀ NỘI — From the rugged mountains of the north to the sunlit islands of the south, Việt Nam is marking a historic milestone today with a massive wave of construction and celebration.

In a first-of-its-kind event, 250 major projects will be inaugurated or have their foundations laid simultaneously across the country, underlining Việt Nam’s ambitious push for growth, connectivity and resilience.

The timing is no coincidence. Today, August 19, holds deep national significance as it commemorates the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution — the historic uprising that paved the way for the birth of the Democratic Republic of Việt Nam. Against this powerful backdrop, the groundbreaking and inauguration ceremonies, with a total investment value of VNĐ1.28 quadrillion (US$48.7 billion), are more than just development milestones — they are a living tribute to the enduring spirit of independence, innovation and unity.

In a grand show of national pride and coordination, the events will be broadcast live from 80 locations across the country, allowing citizens from all walks of life to witness and participate in the historic moment. These projects symbolise not only steel and concrete but also the aspirations and efforts of millions of Vietnamese people — from skilled engineers and labourers to policy-makers and local communities.

Each site, whether a transport artery, a rural school, a high-tech exhibition hall or a social housing project, forms part of a broader, strategic effort to drive sustainable socio-economic development. Taken together, they represent a major push towards Việt Nam’s target of at least 8 per cent economic growth this year, with double-digit growth forecast for the 2026–30 period.

The breadth and scale of the initiative are striking. Among the 250 projects, eight have been designated as nationally significant, with dozens more classified as Group A projects — large-scale developments critical to national strategy. The remainder span Groups B and C and stretch across key sectors such as national defence, health care, transport, education, rural development, culture and sports.

Importantly, several high-profile developments have already been completed ahead of schedule, highlighting the determination of Vietnamese authorities, enterprises and workers to deliver results. One standout example is the National Exhibition Centre in Đông Anh, Hà Nội — a technically complex structure featuring heavy steel architecture and modern design — which was completed nearly two years earlier than planned. The Rạch Miễu Bridge, another key project, was constructed entirely by a domestic contractor, underscoring Việt Nam’s growing technical capabilities and drive for self-reliance.

These completed projects are not simply infrastructure—they are also statements of national ambition and progress. They represent hospitals that will ease the burden of care, bridges that will connect regions and people, housing that offers new beginnings and research centres that will unlock future technologies. They are the tangible results of national policy and collective will, offering long-term social and economic benefits.

The Hòa Liên - Túy Loan Expressway, a component project of the North-South Expressway, is ready for the opening day on Tuesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution.

But beyond physical construction, today’s events are deeply symbolic. They represent the strength of unity between the Party, the State, the business sector and the people. They reflect the country’s shared desire to develop, to innovate and to uplift communities. In every school, industrial park, hospital or green space launched today lies the spirit of national renewal — the continuation of a journey that began in 1945.

Eighty years ago, the August Revolution marked a turning point in Vietnamese history. Under the leadership of the Party and President Hồ Chí Minh, the people rose together to end colonial rule, reclaim national sovereignty and establish the Democratic Republic of Việt Nam. That revolution ignited the flame of independence and laid the foundation for the Việt Nam of today. Its legacy is not confined to history books but lives on in every act of nation-building, including today’s far-reaching infrastructure effort.

In the decades since, Việt Nam has gone from strength to strength. Over the past 40 years, under the consistent leadership of the Party and State, the country has posted impressive economic growth, preserved political and social stability and gradually improved living standards. It has become an increasingly respected player on the international stage, known for its resilience and openness to innovation.

This year, the economy continues to show remarkable resilience despite complex global conditions and internal reforms. In the first seven months of 2025, industrial output rose by 8.6 per cent year-on-year, with the manufacturing sector up by 10.3 per cent — the highest growth seen in the 2020–24 period. Retail and consumer services grew by 9.3 per cent, providing essential momentum for overall growth. Trade figures were also encouraging, with exports and imports reaching $514.7 billion, a 16.3 per cent increase and the trade surplus hitting $10.18 billion — a strong indication of Vietnamese products’ competitiveness.

The business sector has also seen robust activity. More than 174,000 new enterprises entered the market in the first seven months of the year, 1.2 times more than those exiting. Total newly registered capital was over VNĐ3.3 trillion ($125.6 billion), a sharp rise of 93.7 per cent compared to the same period last year. Inflation remained within acceptable limits, with the average consumer price index (CPI) increasing by 3.26 per cent — well below the 4.12 per cent recorded in the same period of 2024. This macroeconomic stability has helped shore up investor confidence and maintain growth momentum.

Chief Economist of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office Dong He noted that Việt Nam’s continued reforms — particularly in improving infrastructure and the investment environment — are key to strengthening its position in the region. His assessment affirms that the current direction is not only sustainable but also strategically sound.

Today’s projects, launched with the energy and optimism of the August Revolution anniversary, are the clearest expression yet of Việt Nam’s readiness for the future. They show that the country is not merely looking back at a proud past, but stepping forward with purpose — confident in its abilities, clear in its goals and committed to shared progress.

Việt Nam National Exhibition Centre in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo

From early morning, in remote highland communes, coastal fishing towns, urban centres and rural hamlets, groundbreaking ceremonies and ribbon cuttings have marked the start of new journeys. They are the culmination of sound policies, collective effort and national determination. More than 250 developments — each with its own story, purpose and impact — are setting the pace for a new era.

Việt Nam is not only building infrastructure; it is building belief — in its people, its potential, its promise, and its future. — VNS