Vietnam is to invest 24 trillion dong (£764m) in building its first major expressway to boost business and tourism.
The road will connect the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, to the northern port city of Hai Phong, the Xinhua news agency reports.
Covering a distance of 105km, the route will consist of six lanes and allow vehicles to travel at up to 120km. It is scheduled for completion in 2011.
Vietnamese prime minister Nguyen Tan Dung introduced the plan at a business roundtable in Hanoi and underlined the country's determination to boost its infrastructure and industry.
A number of developments are planned that could benefit the tourism market, including improvements to transport with a focus on air routes, expressways, high-speed railways, subways and seaports.
Vietnam is a popular destination with travellers exploring south-east Asia, along with the likes of Cambodia, Thailand and Laos.
Opodo
cheap flights and
hotels - let the journey begin!
© Adfero Ltd