France wants to participate in the North-South high-speed railway mega-project.

TPO - A delegation of 15 major French businesses and corporations recently met with the Ministry of Construction to explore cooperation opportunities and express their desire to directly participate in the development of railway infrastructure in Vietnam, focusing on the North-South high-speed railway mega-project.

According to the Ministry of Construction , at a meeting held on May 7th, Mr. Nguyen Tuong Van, Deputy Minister of Construction, informed the French side about Vietnam's major orientations in developing railway infrastructure. Specifically, the railway network plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, aims to effectively renovate and upgrade existing railway lines; complete investment preparation and gradually implement new railway lines, prioritizing the North-South high-speed railway, lines connecting international seaports and international airports, and urban railway systems in major cities.

Vietnam aims to complete the North-South high-speed railway line by 2050; and to invest in completing railway lines connecting seaports, industrial zones, economic zones, the Central Highlands, coastal areas, and international destinations.

A view of the working session between the French delegation and the Ministry of Construction. Photo: Ministry of Construction.

Speaking at the reception, Olivier Brochet, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France to Vietnam, said that France has always supported Vietnam in developing a modern, emission-reducing transportation system, including the North-South high-speed railway project and urban railway systems.

Ambassador Olivier Brochet affirmed that French businesses wish to have a long-term partnership with Vietnam in building a modern and sustainable railway transport ecosystem for future generations. They also sought to understand Vietnam's major priorities regarding infrastructure development, investment promotion mechanisms, financial resources, and the potential participation of French businesses in railway projects in Vietnam, such as the North-South high-speed railway.

Beyond just new mega-infrastructure projects, comprehensive railway cooperation between the two countries is also being realized through the preservation and utilization of historical values. Also on the afternoon of May 7th, a twinning agreement was signed between Da Lat station and Deauville-Trouville station at the French Embassy in Hanoi .

Dalat Railway Station and Deauville-Trouville Railway Station share a strong similarity in architectural inspiration, both adopting the Art Deco style combined with local cultural and geographical elements. Photo: VNR

Signing ceremony for the twinning agreement between Da Lat Railway Station and Deauville-Trouville Railway Station. Photo: VNR.

In the presence of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France to Vietnam, Olivier Brochet, and Mr. Dang Sy Manh, Chairman of the Board of Members of Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR), the agreement was officially signed by Mr. Nguyen Chinh Nam, Deputy General Director of VNR, and Mr. Fabrice Morenon, Director of External Relations of SNCF Gares & Connexions (a subsidiary specializing in station management of the French National Railway Group - SNCF).

Speaking to Tien Phong newspaper , Mr. Dang Sy Manh said that Da Lat station and Deauville-Trouville station share a strong similarity in architectural inspiration, both adopting the Art Deco style combined with local cultural and geographical elements. Through the twinning agreement, the two sides have established a mechanism for sharing professional expertise in building technical management, improving passenger signage systems, preserving heritage values, and developing sustainable tourism.

"This event connects the past and the future, and also serves as a stepping stone to open up more extensive cooperation projects in the railway sector between the two countries," said Mr. Dang Sy Manh.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/phap-muon-tham-gia-sieu-du-an-duong-sat-toc-do-cao-bac-nam-post1841792.tpo