Bidding for Construction Packages of Irrigation Works: Study at Hydraulic Works in Vietnam

This paper examines the current state of bidding for irrigation construction projects in Vietnam during 2020–2024, using data from official reports and reputable sources. The findings indicate that although Vietnam has carried out a large number of irrigation projects and improved the bidding process, competitive efficiency limited remains: Many tenders attracted only one bidder with minimal price reduction, and some had to be canceled due to no bidder meeting requirements. The paper also identifies several issues such as inconsistencies in legal regulations, “tailored” bidding criteria limiting competition, and project delays due to slow land clearance. Based on the analysis, the study suggests exploring factors involving contractors' decisions to bid in order to propose solutions to improve the effectiveness of bidding for irrigation works in the future.