Prime land left abandoned, with many unfinished projects dragging on for decades, not only distorts urban landscapes but also freezes enormous development resources for the economy. According to statistics, by the end of February 2026, the country had over 4,100 stalled projects and land plots, totaling over 182,000 hectares and with a total investment of over 3.26 trillion VND.
In the context of setting high growth targets, addressing stalled projects is no longer a matter solely for individual localities or businesses, but a pressing requirement to combat waste, unlock resources, and create room for growth.
In Nghia Do ward, Hanoi, the American International Hospital project at 9 Chua Ha Street was licensed in 1997, with a total investment of approximately 50 million USD, equivalent to over 1.1 trillion VND at that time. In 2001, the city reclaimed about 10,000 m² of land and leased it to the project for 40 years. However, construction only officially began 5 years later, and although some components have been completed, the hospital remains unfinished to this day.
According to authorities, the project's prolonged delay is due to construction deviations from the approved plan and violations of building regulations regarding the number of floors. A building spanning nearly 10,000 square meters, with numerous assets already built on the land over decades, is causing significant difficulties for authorities in finding a solution. Requiring the previous investor to continue the project is not feasible, and handing it over to a new investor is also not an option.
In many localities, the situation of abandoned projects is on a much larger scale. 60 hectares of land, located in one of the most beautiful areas of Sam Son, was allocated by Thanh Hoa province for the development of the Dong A coastal ecological urban area with a total announced investment of approximately 3,800 billion VND. However, for more than 10 years, the project has remained dormant.
While a project delay of a few years can be a challenge for businesses, when it drags on for decades, the responsibility lies not only with the investor but also places demands on the management of local authorities and relevant agencies in inspecting, monitoring, and promptly addressing the issue.
