With just over five months left in the public investment disbursement period for 2026, Vietnam faces significant challenges as more than 50% of the allocated funds remain unspent. As of August 6, 2026, the country has disbursed over 433 trillion VND, which is approximately 43% of the government's target for the year. Alarmingly, the first week of August saw a disbursement rate that was only 24% of the previous week's, amounting to just over 8 trillion VND.

The Ministry of Construction has noted that a persistent shortage of construction materials, coupled with rising fuel and material costs, has hindered the progress of many infrastructure projects. Although there is no shortage of raw materials, many construction projects are still facing inadequate supplies, creating a paradox that has plagued numerous initiatives for years.

This material shortage has not only delayed project timelines but has also increased costs, causing significant financial strain on contractors and affecting the overall disbursement of public investment funds. For example, the LICOGI 13 Company has struggled to increase production at its quarry due to capacity constraints, which has resulted in insufficient material supplies for ongoing projects.

To address these issues, the government has implemented Resolution No. 66.4, which permits provincial leaders to authorize a maximum 50% increase in extraction capacity for quarries without the need for lengthy investment procedures. This resolution aims to streamline the process and improve material availability, particularly for essential construction materials like foundation soil.

Despite these efforts, the implementation of this resolution has been uneven across different regions, with some areas experiencing material surpluses while others face shortages. Experts have pointed out that the lack of flexibility in transferring materials from surplus to deficit regions is a significant barrier to effective resource management.

As Vietnam strives to meet its public investment goals, it is crucial to resolve material shortages and ensure that project timelines are adhered to. Completing projects on schedule not only enhances the effectiveness of public investment but also fosters regional connectivity and supports the ambitious goal of achieving double-digit growth.

With the weather improving after prolonged rainfall, construction on the Tuyen Quang - Ha Giang highway project is ramping up, with contractors aiming to accelerate work by up to 150% to meet deadlines. The project's management has reported that 82% of the contract value has been executed, with a commitment to complete it by October 31, 2026.

As of early August, 25 central ministries and agencies, along with 12 localities, have disbursement rates below the national average. The government is urging these entities to identify and address the specific reasons for their slow progress, emphasizing the importance of accountability and efficiency in public investment.

To ensure that disbursement rates improve, the government is testing a new KPI scoring system from July to September, which will evaluate the performance of various agencies and individuals involved in public investment. This initiative aims to enhance discipline, responsibility, and the effective use of public funds as the deadline for disbursement approaches.