PM Chính visits workers working on a coastal road project stretching from Thanh Hóa Province's Nghi Sơn District to Nghệ An Province's Cửa Lò District. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

NGHỆ AN — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính requested authorities accelerate work on important infrastructure projects during his visit to the central province of Nghệ An on Sunday.

Regarding the Vinh International Airport, the PM agreed with the proposals of Nghệ An’s People’s Committee and the Ministry of Transport to expand and upgrade the airport.

The airport’s capacity is expected to increase from 8 to 12 million passengers a year by 2030 and rise from 12 to 15 million a year by 2050.

The PM requested that they must have a strategic and long-term vision for developing the airport, suggesting that the investment for the expansion and upgrade be made in a Public-Private Partnership.

Mentioning Cửa Lò Port, the PM said this is in a good location in the northern central region which is favourable for the transport of international goods.

He said the expansion of the port will help Nghệ An’s Vinh City connect with Cửa Lò township.

Deepwater ports are also important for the province to develop its industry sector, he noted, adding that having deepwater ports along with airport, highway and railways will be crucial for the province’s socio-economic development.

Visiting coastal road projects which span nearly 80km with a total investment of more than VNĐ4.6 trillion (US$196.5 million), the PM reminded construction workers to keep an eye on their health while working in the sun, arranging time properly to ensure health while improving productivity and quality.

He ordered Nghệ An authorities and relevant agencies to accelerate the pace of the projects while inspecting to ensure quality.

He also asked construction companies to ensure the pace of the projects while taking care of workers’ health.

The PM also visited Bản Mồng water reservoir project, Nghệ An’s largest irrigation structure which was approved in 2009 with a total investment of VNĐ3.7 trillion.

He pointed out the ineffective allocation of public investment capital as well as legal barriers as one of the main problems leading to the delay of the project.

He ordered the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to work with the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Planning and Investment to review legal documents and propose solutions to resolve legal barriers.

He also suggested Thanh Hóa Province’s leaders join with Nghệ An to resolve problems involving site clearance and resettlement compensation.

Military tasks

Also on Sunday, the PM held a working session with the fourth Military Region (under the Ministry of Defence and is tasked to organise, build, manage and command armed forces defending northern central Việt Nam) based in Vinh City.

The PM said the fourth military region is located in an important position bridging the north and south, playing an important role in national defence strategy.

“There is no country with as many martyr cemeteries and fallen soldiers as Việt Nam. And in our country, there is no place with as many martyr cemeteries and fallen soldiers as in the fourth Military Region,” he said.

The military region has coordinated closely with local authorities to help local people eradicate hunger and reduce poverty, and fight against natural disasters.

Noting the complicated developments of the world situation, the PM said the soldiers must be determined and consistent in performing military tasks. — VNS