New York (VNA) – Vietnamis one of the leading countries in Asia in terms of investment for infrastructuredevelopment, allocating 5.7% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to projects inthis field, said Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative ofVietnam to the United Nations (UN).

Addressing a high-level debate on promoting sustainable development through infrastructureconnectivity as part of a ‘SustainabilityWeek’ held by the UN GeneralAssembly (UNGA) in New York on April 18, Giang emphasised thatbuilding a modern and harmonious infrastructure system is one of the threestrategic breakthroughs identified by the Vietnamese government for sustainabledevelopment.

So far, Vietnam has put into operation 1,729 km of expressways and aims to liftthe total to 3,000 km by 2025, he said, adding that Vietnam continues it is continuing todevelop infrastructure connectivity with neighbouring countries, includingLaos, thus promoting regional and inter-regional connectivity.

The Vietnamese Government continues to prioritise the development ofsustainable infrastructure through investment in renewable energy, and greentransportation systems, as well as promoting the production and use of electricpublic vehicles, he noted.

The diplomat thanked official development assistance (ODA) partners for theirtimely and effective support for Vietnam's infrastructure development projects.

He affirmed promoting connectivity between and within countries is essentialfor economic development, job creation, ensuring supply chain efficiency, andenhancing sustainability.

The diplomat proposed the enhancement of international cooperation and solidaritythrough financial and technical support to narrow the infrastructuredevelopment gap, particularly with developing countries.

Countries need to enhance the resilience of their infrastructure systems byinvesting in renewable energy, green transportation technology, and digitalinfrastructure, with institutional and financial contributions by both publicand private sectors, he said. 

Global efforts towards infrastructure connectivity should closely link withregional and national initiatives, he continued, taking the example of the Master Planon ASEAN Connectivity 2025 aimed at enhancing regional connectivity andfacilitating seamless support throughout the lifecycle of infrastructureprojects in the region.

UNGA President Dennis Francis highlighted the importance of infrastructuredevelopment strategy in achieving all sustainable development goals, whileemphasising the need to enhance financial support and investment inhigh-quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure.

Participants also shared experience and challenges in narrowing the gap in infrastructure development and connectivity, and discussed how to promotepartnership, solidarity, and innovation for sustainable infrastructuredevelopment.

The 'Sustainable Week', held from April 15 -19, is an initiative of thePresident of the 78th Session of the UNGA to convene a series of high-level meetingsof the UNGA to discuss topics related to sustainable development, contributing tomobilising political will to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agendafor Sustainable Development./.