The gas processing plant project has an estimated cost of more than VND10 trillion (US$470 million) and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2016.
The project will install an additional 37 kilometres of offshore pipeline to increase the transport capacity of the PM3 - Ca Mau pipeline system from 5.8 million to 6.95 million cubic metres per day.
Other parts of the project include a gas processing plant with a daily capacity of 6.2 million cubic metres, a system of warehouses capable of storing 8,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas and 3,000 cubic metres of gas condensate.
The PM3 - Ca Mau pipeline is part of the Ca Mau Gas - Power - Fertiliser Complex, a key national project designed to utilise the gas reserves in order to boost economic development of the south-western region.
The gas is used to run two power plants with a combined capacity of 1,500 megawatts and a urea fertiliser plant with an annual output of 800,000 tonnes.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung praised the National Oil and Gas Group, who are responsible for implementing the project, for its significant contributions to national economic development.
He urged the company to implement the Ca Mau gas-processing project promptly so that the plant can be put into operation safely and on time.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister attended ceremonies to open four bridges, Nam Can, Kenh Cai Tat, Sau Nan and Trai Luoi as part of the Ho Chi Minh Route in southern Ca Mau province.
PM Dung expressed his delight for when these bridges are put into use; they will boost socio-economic development in Ngoc Hien and Nam Can districts and help local residents cross rivers without having to use ferries.
