Vietnam's largest private conglomerate Vingroup has requested the administration in Ho Chi Minh City to allow them to research and propose an investment plan for a subway line connecting downtown Ho Chi Minh City with coastal Can Gio District, using its own fund.

The municipal Department of Transport has responded to Vingroup’s proposal regarding the metro line development.

According to the department, it held a meeting on January 6 with relevant departments and agencies to discuss Vingroup’s proposal. 

At the meeting, Vingroup said it would submit to the Department of Transport a development plan for the metro line, including technical solutions, investment forms, funds for research, and the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved.

Vingroup noted that Ho Chi Minh City authorities are currently completing procedures related to the development, appraisal, and approval of the adjusted general planning for the city through 2040, with a vision to 2060.

As part of the planning, the city has tasked relevant departments and agencies with studying a metro line project from the downtown area to Can Gio.

The city is also planning the construction of the Can Gio Bridge from April 30 this year to 2028.

Once finished, the bridge will take over from the Binh Khanh Ferry, currently the sole link between Can Gio and Ho Chi Minh City's center.

Vingroup has stated that the planned metro line from the downtown area to Can Gio aligns perfectly with the city's transportation development trends and requirements.

This project would guarantee a robust connection between the city center and Can Gio District, which is emerging as a new development hub for the city.

The concurrent investment in the metro line and the Can Gio Bridge will ensure technical synchronization, saving both time and cost, Vingroup stated.

Vingroup requested that the municipal authorities allow it to collaborate with the Department of Transport and the consulting unit of the Can Gio Bridge project to research, survey, and find suitable technical and investment solutions to integrate the metro line project with the Can Gio Bridge project.

If it gets the approval, the group will work closely with departments and agencies as well as consultants to complete the research and propose a feasible and effective plan.

During a conference held by the municipal administration to unveil the Ho Chi Minh City Master Plan for 2021-30, with a vision extending to 2050, on January 4, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hailed the city’s efforts to put its first metro line into operation last month.

“I recently suggested to Vingroup chairman [Pham Nhat] Vuong the idea of constructing a metro line linking the city center to Can Gio District, and he enthusiastically supported the initiative," the PM then said.

Vuong is Vietnam's richest person and ranked 833rd on Forbes magazine’s global rich list with a net worth of US$4.1 billion as of late 2024.

The prime minister said it is important to involve major enterprises with substantial resources in projects critical to Vietnam’s social and economic progress.

“I am offering initiatives to businesses and encouraging them to develop innovative approaches,” Chinh said at the conference.

“Resources stem from our ideas, and motivation arises from our innovation.

“This mindset must guide us as we implement the city’s master plan.”

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