Infrastructure opens up new development space for the South Central Coast and Central Highlands

Khanh Hoa province promotes digital transformation in line with the goal of building a smart city. Photo: Nguyen Thanh/VNA

Khanh Hoa province has allocated significant resources to develop its transportation infrastructure; however, challenges and limitations remain. Funding is still fragmented, planning quality is not high, and there is a lack of connectivity. Some subdivision and detailed plans have been slow to implement. Site clearance faces many obstacles, while investment procedures remain complicated.

In response, the Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee has directed departments and localities to focus on studying mechanisms that encourage and mobilize maximum capital from both public and private sectors, promoting public-private partnership (PPP) investment. The province also emphasizes the efficient use of central budget and ODA capital, while accelerating the formulation and approval of remaining plans to ensure overall synchronization and connectivity between sectors. Strengthening inter-agency coordination aims to promptly address bottlenecks in site clearance, helping infrastructure projects stay on schedule and serve the province’s socioeconomic development goals.

According to Resolution No. 01-NQ/TU of the Khanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee, completing transport planning is identified as a key task that lays the foundation for regional connectivity and leverages strengths in marine economy, industry, and tourism. The province prioritizes investment in strategic transport routes, including the North–South Expressway, the coastal route, and transportation systems connecting economic and industrial zones.

The Van Phong – Nha Trang, Nha Trang – Cam Lam, and Cam Lam – Vinh Hao expressways are considered backbone routes linking the coastal plains with the Central Highlands. The Van Phong – Cam Ranh coastal road will form a development corridor for tourism, urbanization, and logistics services. In addition, key national and provincial highways are being reviewed and upgraded to ensure smooth cargo transport and production connectivity among economic regions.

In the railway sector, the North–South high-speed railway is planned to pass through Khanh Hoa with transfer stations in Thap Cham, Dien Khanh, and Ninh Hoa. This is an important step to reduce pressure on road transport and enhance cargo and passenger connections between industrial and tourism hubs along the coast.

Meanwhile, the seaport system is being planned for expansion toward multifunctionality. The Van Phong International Transshipment Port serves as a key gateway for trade, connecting the South Central Coast and the Central Highlands to global maritime networks. According to the Management Board of Khanh Hoa Economic and Industrial Zones, transport planning linked to Van Phong Port will help maximize the efficiency of industrial zones, urban areas, and logistics services in the region.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha – Head of the Investment and Enterprise Division (Management Board of Khanh Hoa Economic and Industrial Zones) stated that Van Phong is a multi-sector integrated economic zone, oriented to become a modern marine economic center and an international tourism and service hub. The completion of transport infrastructure plays a decisive role in unlocking the potential of deep-water ports, eco-tourism, and logistics; it also provides the foundation to implement special mechanisms and policies issued by the Politburo and the National Assembly for Khanh Hoa.

In terms of aviation, in addition to the currently operating Cam Ranh Airport, the province is working with central ministries and agencies to study and propose the inclusion of Van Phong Airport in the national airport system planning. The airport is expected to be located in Van Thang commune, Van Ninh district, serving the northern Khanh Hoa region’s economic, tourism, and logistics development, while supporting the potential exploitation of the Van Phong Economic Zone (northern Khanh Hoa).

According to Decision No. 298/QD-TTg dated March 27, 2023, by the Prime Minister approving the adjusted general planning for the construction of the Van Phong Economic Zone, Khanh Hoa province aims, by 2040 with a vision to 2050, to develop Van Phong into a multi-sector and multi-field integrated economic zone that serves as a leading investment hub and a driving force for economic growth in neighboring regions and the nation as a whole. The marine economy is the foundation, with the international container transshipment port and logistics services, urban development, tourism, and industry playing key roles, in combination with other economic sectors.

Mr. Tran Minh Chien – Head of the Management Board of Khanh Hoa Economic and Industrial Zones – emphasized that synchronized infrastructure development is the key to attracting strategic investment into Van Phong. He stated that the Board is focusing on coordinating the completion of subdivision planning, assisting investors in resolving issues related to land, infrastructure, and administrative procedures. At the same time, the province is intensifying domestic and foreign investment promotion, particularly in priority sectors such as seaports, clean energy, tourism, and high-tech industries. Once the transport infrastructure connecting seaports, industrial zones, and airports is completed, Van Phong will be fully equipped to become an attractive, internationally recognized destination, Mr. Chien noted.

Today’s Khanh Hoa is no longer a simple coastal province but has emerged as a new growth center of the South Central Coast region. With its strategic position, strong resources, and major policies supported by the central government, the province is poised for breakthroughs, targeting annual growth above 10%. Khanh Hoa aspires to the vision: “Planning leads the way – Infrastructure paves the path – Connectivity creates strength – Vision shapes the future.”

According to the development orientation for the 2025–2030 period, Khanh Hoa will focus on establishing a modern transportation network that links the southern key economic region with the Central Highlands. Transport infrastructure is regarded as the breakthrough factor for socioeconomic growth, urban space expansion, and the formation of new growth poles.