The signing took place during a working visit to China by an inter-agency Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy. The delegation participated in the first session of the Vietnam – China Joint Committee on Railway Cooperation, held in Beijing on September 23–24.

In his speech, Deputy Minister Nguyen Danh Huy emphasised the significance and strategic importance of railway cooperation within the broader context of the newly established “Shared Future Community” relationship between the two countries.

“Amid the unprecedentedly strong political and diplomatic ties between Vietnam and China, the development of railway cooperation has been selected by senior leaders of both countries as a symbolic and strategic highlight of the practical bilateral partnership,” he said.

Under the close direction of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the Ministry of Construction of Vietnam and the The Ministry of Construction of Vietnam and the Ministry of Commerce of China have officially signed an agreement to implement the Technical Assistance Project for preparing the Feasibility Study Report of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong standard-gauge railway line.

The establishment of the Vietnam – China Joint Committee on Railway Cooperation in April 2025 marks a memorable milestone, reflecting the efforts of both countries’ relevant agencies and units.

“We have received unprecedented policy support from both governments and fostered strong technical coordination between ministries and sectors, creating a solid momentum for business cooperation between our two countries,” he stressed.

To accelerate railway connectivity projects between Vietnam and China, especially the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong standard-gauge railway, the session focused on several key areas of discussion, including preparations of the feasibility study report; technical design work, loan cooperation mechanisms.

Delegates worked out planning for two additional standard-gauge railway lines - Dong Dang – Hanoi and Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong. They also discussed cooperation in railway workforce training and the railway industry in general.

On the sidelines of the session, Deputy Minister Huy also held a working meeting with the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing to discuss coordination efforts in promoting Vietnam – China railway cooperation.

Vietnam seeks AIIB support for major railway projects

VOV.VN - Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, while attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, met with Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), on August 31, discussing the bank’s financial support for key infrastructure projects in Vietnam.