CaliToday (17/9/2025): The Prime Minister of Vietnam has issued a stern directive calling for strict disciplinary action against underperforming officials responsible for delays in the disbursement of public investment capital, reinforcing the government's commitment to using public funds as a primary engine for economic growth.
The move signals a zero-tolerance approach to bottlenecks that are hindering the progress of crucial national projects. In the directive, the Prime Minister emphasized that accelerating the allocation and spending of public investment is not merely a financial task but a critical political responsibility to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and improve infrastructure.
This renewed push comes as the government aims to meet its ambitious socio-economic targets for 2025. Public investment is considered one of the most vital drivers of Vietnam's GDP growth, especially in the context of global economic uncertainties. The capital is earmarked for a wide range of strategic projects, including the construction of major expressways, coastal roads, airports, seaports, and energy infrastructure, which are essential for the country's long-term development.
However, the pace of disbursement has remained a persistent challenge. According to government reports, while the total allocated capital is significant, the actual amount spent has often lagged behind schedule. The delays have been attributed to a combination of factors, including:
Bureaucratic Inefficiency: Complicated administrative procedures and slow approval processes at various levels of government.
Land Acquisition Hurdles: Protracted negotiations and difficulties in site clearance for major infrastructure projects.
Hesitancy Among Officials: A noted reluctance among some public officials to make decisive approvals, partly due to a fear of being scrutinized or held liable for potential violations.
The Prime Minister's latest order directly targets this "underperformance and lack of accountability." It instructs ministries, agencies, and local governments to identify the specific individuals and units causing the delays and to implement "strict handling," which could include performance reviews, reassignment, or other disciplinary measures.
This directive is part of a broader, multi-pronged strategy by the Vietnamese government to clear the blockages in its public investment pipeline. Other measures include the establishment of special government task forces to oversee key projects, simplifying regulations, and holding regular meetings to review progress and address issues in real-time.
By cracking down on inefficiency and holding officials directly accountable, the government aims to not only accelerate the flow of capital into the economy for the remainder of 2025 but also to foster a stronger sense of urgency and responsibility within the state apparatus. The successful implementation of this public investment drive is seen as crucial for achieving the nation's growth targets and enhancing its overall economic competitiveness.
