Construction of an expressway connecting the northern mountainous provinces of Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang kicked off on May 28.

The 105-km link has total investment of VND10 trillion ($421 million).

The first phase will build two lanes, and is expected to be completed by 2025.

Speaking at the breaking ground ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said once operational the expressway will create an economic corridor from Hanoi to Ha Giang to meet rising travel and transportation demand and contribute significantly to socio-economic development together with national defense towards comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and neighboring China.

He asked the two provinces to focus on site clearance and resettlement, ensure social order and safety, and prevent corruption and waste during project implementation.

Vietnam targets having 5,000 km of expressways by 2030.