Bridging the Gap: Vietnam’s Quest for High-Speed Rail connectivity with China

The North-South High-Speed Railway project, which spans over 1,500 km, is set to be implemented by 2026-2027 as announced by Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang. During a recent meeting with China Railway Signal Information Corporation (CRSC) in Dalian city, China, Minister Thang highlighted Vietnam’s plan to develop a high-speed railway system from North to South before 2030. He expressed Vietnam’s interest in collaborating with China in the railway, rolling stock, and signaling sectors citing China’s technological advancements and competitive pricing as key factors.

China has expertise in high-speed and urban railways and hopes for collaboration on various railway projects connecting the two countries. CRSC, as China’s leading enterprise in railway signaling, expressed interest in cooperating with Vietnam on research, development, and training for railway projects. Prime Minister Chinh emphasized the importance of human resources in railway development and called for further discussions to advance cooperation between the two countries.

Vietnam aims to expand its highway network to 3,000 km by 2025 and 5,000 km by 2030 while investing in railway infrastructure. The completion of projects like the North-South high-speed railway will enhance the country’s multimodal transport system boosting national competitiveness. Ongoing railway projects between Vietnam and China include Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong route set to be completed by mid-2025. Minister Thang proposed collaboration on standard gauge railway projects linking strategic locations for economic growth. With CRSC operating in multiple countries including prominent railway projects, Vietnam looks forward to fruitful partnerships in railway development through public-private partnerships (PPP).