Phu My Bridge in the south of HCM City links District 2 with District 7. The Ministry of Transport plans to release a list of 41 projects for marine infrastructure construction from 2015 to 2020 that will cost US$2 billion. — VNA/VNS Photo Manh Linh

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — Private capital is being sought to upgrade and build marine, waterway and railway transport systems in the country.

The Ministry of Transport's Marine Department, for example, plans to release a list of 41 projects for marine infrastructure construction from 2015 to 2020 with total needed capital of VND43 trillion (around US$2 billion).

The government will invite private investors to develop seaports and widen the narrow passage of rivers.

"Lach Huyen port is the final project that will have capital from the State budget," a representative of the department said.

The ministry also plans to approve 45 Build-Operate-Transfer projects from 2015-2020 with a need of VND11 trillion ($500 million).

"These projects will attract investors due to the high profits," Tran Van Tho, deputy head of the Ministry of Transport's Viet Nam Domestic Waterway Department, was quoted as saying in the Thoi Bao Tai Chinh (Financial Times) newspaper.

For example, at the Tra Ly river mouth in the northern province of Thai Binh, two thermal power plants need coal of 9 million tonnes a year.

Boats have to travel 280 km from Quang Ninh to Thai Binh to reach the plant, but if the new domestic waterway route is built, the distance would be cut in half. Bigger vessels could also be used.

Railways will also seek private capital for 17 projects, mostly for infrastructure upgrading and construction.

The government would invest in technical infrastructure in railway work and private investors would invest in stations, storages and support services.

Several important projects include the transfer of rights to explore several major routes such as Lao Cai – Ha Noi – Hai Phong; and Ha Noi – HCM City.

"The Viet Nam Domestic Waterway Department will seek capital to upgrade some parts of domestic waterways, river gates and harbours," Tho said.

The department is also working with each investor to solve all procedures and difficulties.

"The government will release policies on taxes, fees, interest rates and exchange rate in the railway sector. The government will be responsible for ground clearance and railway technical infrastructure," Vu Ta Tung, the general director of the Viet Nam Railway Corporation, said.

He said the corporation would create favourable conditions for investors.

"The State will stop investing in seaports" after private capital reaches 75-80 per cent of the marine sector, expected in 2020, Dinh La Thang, Minister of Transport, said. — VNS