Although it still only exists on paper, Long Thanh International Airport is already embroiled in its first controversy regarding prospective contractors.
Recently, the Hanoi Export-Import Company, or Geleximco, asked the central government to consider a Chinese company for the construction of Long Thanh, reports VnExpress. The announcement landed the Hanoi firm in hot water, as many doubt the foreign firm’s ability to deliver quality results.
The Chinese company in question is Sunshine Kaidi New Energy Group Co., Ltd., a 25-year-old Wuhan-based construction and engineering firm. Geleximco justified its choice by asserting that the foreign firm will be able to complete the massive task at the lowest cost within three to five years.
However, news of the contractor’s possible involvement in the airport project was met with criticism and doubt by experts and netizens alike. Aviation expert Nguyen Thien Tong told Tuoi Tre in a recent interview that: “China doesn’t have enough experience in building large airports, so it would be very dangerous to suggest constructing such an advanced airport at low cost.”
Some pointed out that Sunshine Kaidi’s portfolio doesn’t include past work in constructing an aerodrome. The company has prior experience in building energy-related facilities more in line with electrical infrastructure and green energy generation.
VnExpress added that in Vietnam, the company has been involved in thermal power projects, and nothing related to aviation technology.
The government, however, still hasn’t responded to Geleximco’s suggestion because construction on the Dong Nai province-based airport is still a ways off, as no investors or contractors have been selected yet. Vice Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc Dong shared at a press conference, VnExpress reports, that the ministry is still conducting a feasibility study for the airport and will only consider contractors in roughly two years.
[Photo via Dat Nen Long Thanh]
