CaliToday (10/8/2025): A consortium of businesses in Ho Chi Minh City has formally proposed to develop the long-awaited Can Gio Bridge under a Build-Transfer (BT) contract, a move that could accelerate the realization of one of Southern Vietnam's most critical infrastructure projects. The proposal injects new momentum into the plan to connect the city's outlying Can Gio district with the central urban area, promising to unlock significant economic and social development for the coastal region.
The proposal, spearheaded by prominent domestic investor Trungnam Group, outlines the construction of a 7.3-kilometer bridge spanning the Soai Rap River to link the Nha Be and Can Gio districts. With an estimated investment of approximately VND 11 trillion (around US$464 million), the bridge would replace the overburdened Binh Khanh Ferry, which currently serves as the primary and often time-consuming connection for residents and visitors.
The revival of the Build-Transfer model, legally permitted again since July 2025, is seen as a key enabler for this proposal. Under the BT arrangement, the private investor finances and constructs the project and, upon completion, transfers the ownership to the state. In return, the city government would reimburse the investor, potentially through land rights in other areas or a deferred cash payment, providing a viable financing alternative to direct public investment or traditional BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) tolls, which were deemed unsuitable due to the long payback period.
A Bridge to Economic Transformation
The Can Gio Bridge is considered a linchpin for the future development of Can Gio district. Currently, the district's potential for tourism and urban expansion is severely hampered by its relative isolation. The new bridge is expected to be a catalyst for a sweeping transformation with several key benefits:
Unlocking Tourism and Urban Development: The bridge is a critical prerequisite for major planned projects, including the ambitious Can Gio Tourism Urban Area, a large-scale coastal development, and the proposed Can Gio International Transshipment Port. By providing a reliable and fast connection, the bridge will make the district's pristine beaches, lush mangrove forests, and burgeoning eco-tourism sites easily accessible.
Spurring Economic Growth: Improved logistics and connectivity are expected to attract significant new investment into the region, not just in tourism and real estate, but also in related commercial and service sectors. This will create jobs and stimulate economic activity, elevating the district's contribution to Ho Chi Minh City's overall economy.
Improving Quality of Life: For the residents of Can Gio, the bridge will drastically reduce travel times to the city center for work, education, and healthcare, integrating the district more fully into the fabric of Ho Chi Minh City.
Navigating Environmental Sensitivities
While the economic and social arguments for the bridge are compelling, the project is not without its challenges, most notably the environmental concerns. The bridge's path is near the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site that serves as the "green lungs" of Ho Chi Minh City.
Project planners and city officials have stressed that any development will be carried out with strict adherence to environmental protection regulations. The bridge's design itself is intended to be iconic, with proposals featuring a cable-stayed structure with pylons shaped to resemble mangrove trees, aiming to create a new architectural landmark that respects its natural surroundings. Balancing the urgent need for development with the critical importance of preserving this unique ecosystem remains a key priority for authorities.
Project Status and a Look Ahead
The investment proposal is currently under review by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and is expected to be submitted to the city's People's Council for approval. If the green light is given, construction could commence as early as 2025, with a targeted completion date in 2028.
The business-led proposal to build the Can Gio Bridge under a BT contract represents a significant step forward for this vital project. It highlights a proactive approach from the private sector in addressing major infrastructure needs and, if successful, will serve as a powerful engine for growth, transforming Can Gio into a vibrant economic and tourism hub for Ho Chi Minh City and the entire southern region.
