Japan's Sumitomo Corporation is building the first phase of the line in cooperation with Vietnam's Cienco 6 under a package worth $US 560m with work initially encompassing a 17km elevated section with 11 stations. Two subsequent $US 560m packages are also set to be offered for a 2.6km underground section from Ben Thanh Market to Ba Son Shipyard with three stations, and mechanical and electrical element as well as maintenance.

The Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien line will ease congestion in the city's southern economic hub and contribute to improving its socio-economic development as well as tourism in the region. Construction is expected to be completed by 2017, with operations due to commence the following year. Around 620,000 passengers per day are expected to use the service by 2020.

Vietnam plans to construction an additional five metro lines in Ho Chi Minh City. Work on the first 11.3km phase of Line 2, 9.6km of which is underground, started in 2010 and is due to open in 2016.