On September 29th, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a government meeting to review the outcomes of the first session of the Vietnam-China Railway Cooperation Joint Committee. The meeting aimed to assess progress and accelerate the implementation of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project, in line with established objectives.
As per the National Assembly’s resolution, the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project spans approximately 419 km, with a total investment of 203.231 trillion VND (equivalent to 8.37 billion USD). Construction is slated to commence in 2025, with completion targeted by 2030.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized a proactive and self-reliant approach, urging immediate action on feasible tasks and continued collaboration with China to achieve project goals.
Specific directives were issued: the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Construction are tasked with expediting the review, approval, and publication of high-speed rail standards and specifications for the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong line. This process must adhere to legal and international protocols, with completion expected by October 2025.
The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with relevant agencies, is responsible for evaluating and securing funding options, prioritizing domestic resources and exploring optimal loan proposals. The Ministry is also directed to engage with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank regarding potential financing and report back to the government by October.
The Ministry of Construction and associated bodies are to develop a comprehensive plan addressing critical timelines, land clearance, and component projects. For Component Project 1, focusing on domestic-funded infrastructure connecting stations and station plazas, the Prime Minister mandated completion of preparatory work for a 2025 groundbreaking.
Regarding the agreement on standard gauge rail connectivity between the two nations, the Prime Minister instructed finalizing technical plans and documentation by September 2025.
In the realm of railway industry development, the Prime Minister advocated a phased approach, starting with simpler, smaller-scale initiatives and progressively advancing to more complex endeavors, ensuring each stage is solidly executed.
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The pivotal joint session between Vietnam and China, focusing on key areas of collaboration, is scheduled to take place this September.
“Get Ready for the Highly-Anticipated Launch of the Laos Cai – Hanoi – Haiphong Railway Project”
“The Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Construction to expedite the preparation of a feasibility report for the commencement of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project by December 19th. This ambitious undertaking promises to revolutionize transportation across these key provinces, offering enhanced connectivity and unprecedented efficiency in freight and passenger travel.”
