Promoting railway connections between Vietnam and China

Promoting railway connections between Vietnam and China

During his meeting with Yongcai Sun, Chairman of the Board of Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Company Ltd., China (CRRC), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted that Vietnam boasts over 2,000 kilometers of railway and more than 300 stations; however, Vietnam has not been able to effectively utilize these resources in recent years. Railway transportation possesses numerous advantages over other modes of transportation, including cost efficiency and suitability for select commodities, amidst the changing global and regional landscape.

Notably, Vietnam and China signed a Joint Statement to further strengthen and elevate their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in December 2023, with the goal of building a community with a shared future of strategic significance.

Accordingly, both countries will promote the connection of standard gauge railways across the Vietnam-China border; and study the development of standard gauge railways for the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong route, as well as the Dong Dang - Hanoi and Mong Cai - Ha Long - Hai Phong routes with corresponding schedules.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the need to maximize the roles of state-owned businesses from both countries in the railway sector; learn from past projects; and implement detailed cooperation projects in an efficient and rapid manner, following the principle of "harmonized interests, shared risks."

The Prime Minister requested CRRC, with its capabilities and advantages, to explore cooperation with Vietnam Railways and other Vietnamese businesses in manufacturing, technology transfer for locomotives and carriages, human resource training, and financial support. He welcomed CRRC's participation in other projects and sectors such as new energy.

The CRRC's Chairman affirmed the company's strong capabilities, outstanding technology, and leading global position in the railway sector. Furthermore, the company expressed a desire to realize high-level agreements under the guidance from both governments.

CRRC is ready to participate in constructing railway connections between the two countries and urban railway projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city. Additionally, the company is prepared to provide comprehensive, high-tech solutions; promote localization; share experiences; and support human resource training, as proposed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Consequently, CRRC aims to support Vietnam in the development of its railway sector and other fields such as new energy transportation, thereby contributing to enhancing bilateral relations.

China is ready to cooperate and share experience with Vietnam

During his meeting with Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh praised the company's achievements and welcomed its plans to expand investment and operations in Vietnam in the fields of energy and infrastructure.

The Prime Minister noted that businesses from Vietnam and China currently possess the necessary experience and conditions to strengthen cooperation, especially against the backdrop of strong political relations between the two countries. Notably, these businesses can utilize the Joint Statement to strengthen and elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between both countries, with the goal of building a community with a shared future of strategic significance.

With the aim of transforming high-level agreements into detailed programs and projects with "tangible roles, tangible tasks, tangible timelines, and tangible results," the Prime Minister requested PowerChina to build on its successful cooperation in Vietnam. He encourages further investment and expansion of activities in Vietnam, with a focus on supporting the development of the railway sector, renewable energy, and other key areas of cooperation.

Vietnam welcomes and encourages foreign businesses with financial capacity, technical expertise, and technology, including PowerChina, to engage in research, cooperation, and participation in railway projects that the two countries have agreed to promote, as well as urban railway projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city.

Vice Chairman Wang Xiaojun expressed gratitude to Vietnam for its assistance throughout PowerChina's operations in the country's energy sector since 2000. Notably, PowerChina employed over 1,000 workers and experts working on projects with a total value of over 9 billion USD.

PowerChina has remained prominent in notable projects such as the Lai Chau and Son La hydropower plants; Vinh Tan thermal power center; more than 23 solar power projects with a total capacity of 2,681 MW; 9 offshore wind power projects with a total capacity of 1,217 MW; 16 onshore wind power projects with a total capacity of 1,201 MW; and 2 waste-to-energy projects in Can Tho and Soc Son, Hanoi with the capacity to process 4,400 tons of waste per day.

He affirmed PowerChina's readiness to enhance cooperation with Vietnamese partners in developing railways, urban railways, and new energy sectors, with a focus on promoting the role of wind power in northern Vietnam.

With regards to the railway sector, Vice Chairman Wang Xiaojun noted that PowerChina possesses extensive experience, having constructed over 2,000 kilometers of high-speed railways and 800 kilometers of metro lines. Furthermore, the company is ready to share its expertise with Vietnam.