Strategic Infrastructure Progress Takes Center stage

Vietnam and China are deepening their collaboration on transport infrastructure, with a particular focus on railway development. Discussions held in Beijing on Wednesday, March 26th, between Vietnam’s Minister of Construction, Trân Hông Minh, and China’s Minister of Transport, Liu Wei, signal a strong commitment from both nations to enhance connectivity.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen economic ties and regional integration, leveraging infrastructure as a key driver. The discussions build upon existing agreements and pave the way for new projects aimed at modernizing and expanding transport networks.

Railways: A Priority for enhanced Connectivity

Minister Trân Hông Minh emphasized the Vietnamese government’s dedication to realizing the shared vision of connecting the two countries’ railway systems. This commitment is underscored by a series of agreements signed between late 2023 and December 2024, involving the former Vietnam Ministry of transport (now Ministry of Construction), the National Commission for Development and the Reformation of China, and the Chinese National Cooperation for Development Cooperation (CIDCA).

further solidifying this commitment, plans are underway to sign three additional documents, including:

• A memorandum of understanding between the National Development and Chinese Reform Commission and the Ministry of Construction of Vietnam on establishing a China-Vietnam rail cooperation committee.
• Exchange of letters concerning the planning of standard-gauge railway lines connecting Dong Dang to Hanoi and Mong Cai to Ha Long and Hai Phong.
• A meeting to discuss the field survey and feasibility assessment for the technical support project in preparing a feasibility study report for the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong rail line.

The Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong project is of particular importance, with Vietnamese leaders aiming to commence construction by the end of 2025. The National Assembly approved the project’s investment policy on February 19, 2025, authorizing the application of 18 special mechanisms and policies to facilitate its implementation.

Minister Trân Hông Minh has urged Minister Liu Wei to seek the Chinese government’s support and guidance from relevant authorities to expedite the implementation of key tasks, particularly concerning the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong line.

“the leaders of the Party and the government of vietnam are very interested and closely directing the advancement of rail projects connecting China to Vietnam and endeavor to start the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong in the end of 2025,”

Minister Trân Hông minh

Road Transport: Facilitating Cross-Border Trade

Beyond railways, the two nations are also focused on improving international road transport, with a view to facilitating trade between China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Efforts are underway to finalize procedures for signing three key documents:

• An agreement and protocol on the construction of road traffic infrastructure at the Thanh Thuy border post (Hà Giang,Vietnam) – Tianbao (Yunnan,China).
• An agreement protocol on road cooperation between the ministry of Construction of Vietnam and the ministry of Transport of China, expected in April 2025.

These agreements aim to streamline border crossings and enhance the efficiency of road-based trade routes, contributing to increased economic activity in the region.

Progress and Future Outlook

Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress made in various cooperative ventures,including the launch of the bridge project on the Red river border between Bat Xat (Lao Cai,Vietnam) and Beishan (Yunnan,China) at the end of March 2025. This project exemplifies the tangible outcomes of the strengthened partnership.

Minister Liu Wei lauded the practical and effective cooperation between the two countries in the transport sector. Looking ahead, both parties committed to active dialogue and closer collaboration, guided by the principles of a comprehensive strategic partnership and a shared vision for the future of China-Vietnam relations.

This collaboration is particularly timely, as global supply chains are increasingly looking for diversification and resilience. Enhanced transport infrastructure between Vietnam and China can play a crucial role in supporting these trends, offering businesses more efficient and reliable access to key markets.