Many projects from PPP investment have switched to public investment.

At the 5th Session of the 15th National Assembly, during the question-and-answer session with Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang, many hot issues related to the application of the Law on Investment under the public-private partnership (PPP) method in construction projects in the national transport network were mentioned by National Assembly Deputies on the floor.

Speaking at the question and answer session, Delegate Tran Anh Tuan (Ho Chi Minh City delegation) said that currently, there are a number of projects that have been approved in principle under the PPP form, but then switched to the public investment form. The projects have not been implemented but the investment policy must be adjusted, which prolongs the project preparation time and may affect the project implementation plan later. The delegate requested the Minister to propose a solution to overcome this problem in the near future.

Delegate Tran Anh Tuan (Ho Chi Minh City delegation) participated in the questioning.

Also concerned about this issue, Delegate Trinh Xuan An (Dong Nai delegation) said that many issues surrounding BOT projects have not yet been resolved with a specific deadline, while the National Assembly Standing Committee has announced its conclusion on this content. The delegate requested that the Minister make a specific commitment to reassure investors, people, and businesses.

Regarding the issue of mobilizing resources for transport, Delegate Trinh Xuan An said that in developing transport infrastructure, it is impossible to use the State budget for everything. Given the recent situation, many projects have shifted from PPP investment to public investment. The Delegate stated that if there is no truly fundamental measure to mobilize resources for developing transport infrastructure, it will be very difficult to develop the country.

According to Delegate Trinh Xuan An, in addition to investment promotion and communication solutions, it is necessary to resolve problems related to institutions and policies, especially the regulations on state capital ratios in the PPP Law, regulations of the Budget Law, Construction Law, and Road Traffic Law related to central and local budget expenditures.

Delegate Trinh Xuan An (Dong Nai delegation) participated in the questioning session in the hall.

The delegate requested the Minister to summarize, evaluate and advise the Government to report to competent authorities, especially issues related to institutions to mobilize the truly necessary resources for transport development in the coming time.

Responding to questions from National Assembly deputies, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang said that the transition from PPP projects to public investment is a matter of great concern to the transport sector. Since the promulgation of the PPP Law, we have not yet been able to attract many enterprises to invest in infrastructure projects under the PPP form. Therefore, the Ministry of Transport is studying and preparing to propose a number of solutions to strongly attract PPP investment capital.

According to the Minister, our infrastructure investment needs in the 2021-2025 period alone are 462,000 billion, of which only 66% has been allocated in reality, and we are in dire need of socialized capital to participate in the construction of transport infrastructure. The Minister emphasized that there needs to be a system of synchronous solutions in this regard, with appropriate institutional adjustments to create trust and equality for businesses.

Specifically, although the law stipulates that if revenue increases by more than 125% compared to the estimate, the enterprise must share with the State, or if revenue decreases by less than 75%, the State must compensate, but how, where, and from what source is not clear. The law also states that when an enterprise signs a contract, the contract clearly stipulates when people can increase fees. However, from 2019 to now, due to issues related to macroeconomic stability, we have not allowed enterprises to increase fees according to the contract, leading to uncertain revenue, causing consequences for banks, overdue debts, etc.

Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang answered questions.

The Minister said that the Ministry of Transport has noted the opinions of the National Assembly Deputies and will coordinate with localities to organize conferences to promote and call for investment from both domestic and international enterprises. Along with that, the Ministry will advise the Government, coordinate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and other ministries and branches to remove difficulties and obstacles, especially the issue of mobilizing foreign enterprises to participate in investing in transport infrastructure.

In order to thoroughly remove the barriers and obstacles with BOT projects, the Minister said that the Ministry of Transport is very determined and resolute to be able to present that content to the National Assembly in this session. However, in the process of preparing to ask for opinions, the National Assembly has directed that it is necessary to review and evaluate not only 8 BOT projects but also coordinate with localities to evaluate all BOT projects nationwide, including central BOTs and local BOTs to have a complete picture and from there propose measures and solutions.

Currently, the Ministry has compiled all opinions from localities, identified issues and resubmitted for 8 BOT projects that need to be processed first. The entire dossier has been submitted to the Government, and is collecting opinions from ministries and branches to continue processing and submit to the National Assembly Standing Committee and the National Assembly. The Ministry of Transport will continue to closely monitor this issue.

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/rat-nhieu-du-an-tu-dau-tu-ppp-chuyen-sang-dau-tu-cong-post250903.html