France Cooperates With Vietnam in Railway And Aviation Projects

Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang had a working session with French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet said that France wants the two countries' cooperation to move into a new phase in the next 20 years with new programs and focuses. Accordingly, France will support Vietnam to face challenges, including climate change.

Non-refundable aid of EUR700,000 for research and renovation of Long Bien bridge

According to the Ambassador, in the field of transportation, France has a lot of experience and strengths in investing in airport construction, aircraft manufacturing, high-speed railways, and urban railways. France can support and cooperate for development in these fields in Vietnam.

In addition to support through the French Development Agency (AFD), France can mobilize support from multilateral mechanisms such as the European Union (EU).

In particular, the EU's "Global Gateway" initiative aims to create worldwide connectivity with an overall budget of about EUR300 billion (US$328.4 billion), of which nearly 20% is contributed from France.

Ambassador Olivier Brochet also mentioned specific cooperation projects. In particular, the Hanoi Metro No. 3 project (Nhon - Hanoi Station metro project) is highly symbolic of the cooperative relationship between the two countries.

"Recently, France decided to provide non-refundable aid of EUR700,000 (US$766.4 thousand) for a French enterprise to conduct surveys and research on the Long Bien Bridge renovation project.

After the research, capital will be needed for renovation, AFD is ready to provide partial support," the Ambassador said.

The Ambassador hoped that the Ministry of Transport would coordinate with the Hanoi People's Committee to carry out procedures so that the French side could quickly implement the project.

Louis Vuitton wants to organize a luxury antique train between Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City to serve tourists. Photo: baochinhphu.vn

Regarding cooperation in the railway sector, Ambassador Olivier Brochet also said that a number of famous fashion and brand names, including Louis Vuitton, want to organize a luxury antique train between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to serve tourists.

However, to do this, it is necessary to repair and renovate ancient train cars that have been in operation for 30 years or more and import them into Vietnam. Therefore, the Ambassador hopes that the Ministry of Transport will allow exceptions to current regulations so that these train cars can run on Vietnam's railways.

Realizing railway cooperation

Minister Nguyen Van Thang emphasized that the cooperative relationship between the two countries is deployed on a wide and effective scale, in which transportation cooperation is implemented in all five fields of aviation, road, railway, maritime, and inland waterways.

Regarding the exchange content mentioned by the Ambassador, the Minister appreciated the "Global Gateway" initiative.

He affirmed that the areas mentioned by the EU such as digital safety, infrastructure connection, smart links, and green development are also the goals that the Ministry of Transport is aiming for in its development strategy and plan.

"Vietnam identifies infrastructure development as one of the three main pillars to develop the national economy. The Ministry of Transport is investing in infrastructure projects in all five areas on the basis of sustainable development, ensuring emission reduction according to Vietnam's commitment at COP26.

If Vietnam can participate in the "Global Gateway" initiative, we will have more resources to help realize these goals. Therefore, we will research and make specific proposals. We hope that the French side will provide information and advice so that Vietnam can participate effectively and responsibly in the initiative," Minister Nguyen Van Thang said.

The reconstruction of Long Bien Bridge has great significance, not only symbolizing the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and France but also helping to facilitate the circulation of people.

Cooperation in developing aviation infrastructure

In the aviation sector, in addition to the ongoing Long Thanh International Airport project, Tan Son Nhat, and Noi Bai airport expansion projects, Vietnam will invest in small and medium-sized airports in the provinces.

This is the potential that Vietnam calls for private businesses to invest, including French businesses. Vietnam looks forward to promoting cooperation with France in this field.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides agreed to increase exchanges to realize potential with specific cooperation projects, bringing greater efficiency.

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