Within the framework of the groundbreaking, commencement, and technical opening ceremonies for projects celebrating the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the People's Committee of Dong Nai province, in coordination with the consortium of investors, solemnly held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cat Lai bridge construction project under the public-private partnership (PPP) method.
The investment in the construction of the Cat Lai Bridge aims to strengthen connectivity between Dong Nai province and Ho Chi Minh City, create momentum for socio-economic development in Dong Nai province, reduce traffic pressure on the Cat Lai ferry (which is frequently overloaded), and address the need for smooth and convenient transportation connections between Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City. In addition, the project is also expected to create momentum for the development of the Southern key economic region.
At the ceremony, Comrade Mai Van Chinh – Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government – stated that the Party and the State have always identified the development of a synchronous and modern infrastructure, especially transportation infrastructure, as one of the strategic breakthroughs set forth by the 13th Party Congress to promote rapid and sustainable growth, enhance national competitiveness, strengthen regional linkages, and effectively utilize development drivers.
"General Secretary To Lam has repeatedly emphasized that national development in the new era must be placed within the overall national and regional development context; transportation infrastructure must be one step ahead, creating genuine links between localities, overcoming the situation of fragmented, localized, and disconnected development," said Comrade Mai Van Chinh.
Therefore, the implementation of the Cat Lai Bridge project is of paramount importance, demonstrating the high political determination and concrete actions of Dong Nai province in realizing the policy of developing regional linkages in the Southeast region, closely connecting the country's largest economic center with the eastern gateway of the region.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee Ho Van Ha said that the Cat Lai Bridge is a project that the people of Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City have been waiting for for over 30 years. For many years, the Cat Lai ferry route has served as both a vital connection and a major traffic bottleneck, hindering travel, trade, urban development, and investment attraction. The implementation of the Cat Lai Bridge project demonstrates the high political determination of the two localities to fundamentally and definitively resolve a long-standing issue, meeting the legitimate aspirations of the people.
The Cat Lai Bridge construction project is located in Dai Phuoc commune, Dong Nai province and Cat Lai ward, Ho Chi Minh City. The project starts in Cat Lai ward, Ho Chi Minh City, and ends at the intersection with the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway.
The project has a total length of approximately 11.64 km, ensuring 6 lanes for motorized vehicles and 2 lanes for non-motorized vehicles. The preliminary total investment for the project is approximately over 18,299 billion VND, excluding interest on loans during the construction period. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion and operation expected in 2029.
Previously, the People's Committee of Dong Nai province officially completed the selection of an investor in a special case to implement the Cat Lai bridge project across the Dong Nai River under the public-private partnership (PPP) method, specifically a Build-Transfer (BT) contract. Construction Corporation No. 1 - JSC (CC1) and its members formed the selected consortium of investors to carry out this project.
“We highly appreciate the political determination, proactive spirit, and systematic and decisive approach of the leaders of Dong Nai province throughout the preparation and implementation of the project. Dong Nai has clearly demonstrated the mindset of a proactive government: directly addressing infrastructure bottlenecks, proactively selecting appropriate solutions, and organizing implementation with clear and transparent timelines,” said Mr. Le Bao Anh, General Director of CC1, representing the consortium of investors.
“To demonstrate the goodwill, responsibility, and genuine capabilities of the investor, the consortium of investors proactively agreed to reduce the BT contract value by 5%, excluding land clearance costs and contingency costs in the total investment. This is not merely a commercial factor, but a clear commitment to investment efficiency, to sharing responsibility with the State and society, based on the investor's capacity for cost management, construction organization, and risk control. CC1 believes that this proactive approach will contribute to improving the efficiency of public resource utilization, while affirming the spirit of long-term, transparent, and sustainable partnership between the State and enterprises in key infrastructure projects,” the General Director of CC1 emphasized.
Construction Corporation No. 1 – JSC (CC1) is a company with extensive experience in the construction and infrastructure investment sector. CC1 continuously affirms its pioneering position in three core areas: construction, investment, and production & trading of construction materials.
Over 46 years of formation and development, CC1 has gradually affirmed its capacity and reputation in constructing key projects with complex engineering in many fields such as energy, industry, transportation, civil engineering, and technical infrastructure nationwide. CC1's sustained contributions have played a significant role in the development of the country's infrastructure and urban areas.
During its involvement in investing in and developing transportation infrastructure across various routes and regions, CC1 has undertaken bridge projects spanning numerous major rivers, including the Dong Nai River. Here, as a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) investor, CC1 participated in the Dong Nai Bridge and An Hao Bridge projects, contributing to improved transportation capacity on the connecting axis between Ho Chi Minh City and the provinces of the Southeast region. These projects help shorten travel distances, reduce pressure on the existing transportation system, and support the flow of goods and the development of production and industry in the area.
Subsequently, as a construction contractor, CC1 participated in the construction of Hoa An Bridge – one of the important transportation projects spanning the Dong Nai River. This bridge not only connects urban and industrial areas of the province but also opens up new development opportunities for both banks of the river, promoting urbanization and the formation of modern residential and service areas.
In recent years, the company has gradually transformed from a traditional contractor to an infrastructure investor, proactively participating in PPP, BOT, and BT projects aligned with the national development strategy. Currently, the company is implementing nearly 70 construction and investment projects nationwide, many of which are large-scale projects entering the completion phase.