On the afternoon of February 8, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a working session with the Standing Committee of the Quang Nam Provincial Party Committee.

During the session, Chairman of the Quang Nam People's Committee Le Van Dung requested the Prime Minister's approval to propose a special mechanism and policy for the province's development.

The plan focuses on major projects, including the socialization of Chu Lai Airport, a seaport and logistics hub, a pilot free trade zone within the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, the transformation of Chu Lai into a national automotive and multi-purpose mechanical industry center, and upgrades to key national highways.

Chairman Dung also sought approval for a list of strategic investment projects, including the socialization of Chu Lai Airport with an estimated investment of $450 million and Quang Nam Seaport with an expected cost of $260 million.

Quang Nam assigned to select an enterprise to invest in Chu Lai Airport

In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh praised Quang Nam’s achievements in 2024, particularly in economic growth, social welfare, infrastructure, and investment promotion. He urged the province to aim for double-digit growth in 2025.

However, the Prime Minister pointed out that while Quang Nam has a comprehensive infrastructure system, it remains underutilized. The province has an airport, seaports, and highways but has yet to maximize their potential. Additionally, it still lacks a highly skilled workforce.

He emphasized that Quang Nam’s officials must remain deeply connected to the province, working closely with the people and businesses to drive development. He also called for stronger decentralization, improved governance, and a more focused approach to infrastructure development to avoid spreading resources too thin.

Prime Minister Chinh suggested that Quang Nam should use its coastal road as a development corridor. The land east of this road should be allocated for services and business activities, while industrial and urban development should be concentrated to the west, with real estate projects ideally positioned near the mountains.

Regarding the proposal to socialize Chu Lai Airport, he urged the province to move forward without delay.

Chu Lai Airport to be developed at ICAO’s highest classification level

The Prime Minister stressed that Chu Lai Airport holds a strategic advantage for Quang Nam, making it a critical competitive asset. Therefore, the airport must be developed to the 4F standard, ICAO’s highest classification, and should be accompanied by an urban airport development plan and an aviation ecosystem.

Quang Nam has been assigned the authority to lead investor selection while coordinating with the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to resolve any obstacles. If issues exceed provincial authority, they must be reported to Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha. All procedures must be completed within the first six months of 2025.

“Quang Nam must take full responsibility and resolve land issues by February, ensuring investor selection aligns with the Ministry of Transport’s approval. Any enterprise that guarantees completion within two years should be granted the contract,” Prime Minister Chinh emphasized.

Additionally, the Prime Minister approved Quang Nam’s proposal for the development of the Cua Lo shipping channel to accommodate 50,000-ton vessels and the planning of a logistics center in Chu Lai. He urged the province to complete all necessary procedures and investments to ensure the logistics center is operational by June 2027.

Regarding the upgrade and renovation of national highways, the Prime Minister expressed support for Quang Nam’s plan to use state budget funds for these projects.

Ha Nam