In recent years, the Vietnamese government has proposed an ambitious plan to begin constructing two high-speed railways connecting Hanoi and China by 2030.
This project involves a high-speed rail system with a total length of 1,545 kilometers, at an estimated cost of $72 billion, equivalent to 17% of Vietnam's GDP, which fully demonstrates the Vietnamese government's determination and courage in this project.
The concept of the North-South high-speed railway in Vietnam was proposed as early as 2006.
During then-Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's visit to Japan, he obtained the Japanese government's promise of development assistance for the project.
However, due to subsequent intense debates, the high costs, and ticket price issues, the project was shelved in 2010.
This shelving did not reduce Vietnam's demand for high-speed rail; instead, it prompted the Vietnamese government to continually explore new possibilities and partners to advance the implementation of the high-speed rail project.
In April 2024, Vietnam's Ministry of Transport officially announced plans for these two high-speed rail lines as a crucial part of the Red River Delta strategy, aimed at strengthening transportation infrastructure, alleviating traffic congestion, and promoting economic growth.
This is not only a significant milestone in the development of Vietnam's transportation network but also symbolizes Vietnam's active role in regional economic cooperation.
Although Japan has strong competitiveness in high-speed rail technology, it did not win this project bid, mainly due to disadvantages in price and financing terms.
China, on the other hand, won Vietnam's trust with its strong performance in the global high-speed rail market and flexible financing solutions.
China has rich experience and advanced technology in high-speed rail construction, boasting the world's most extensive and developed high-speed rail network.
Currently, China has built and operates several overseas high-speed rail projects, such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail in Indonesia, the Haramain high-speed rail in Saudi Arabia, the China-Laos Railway, the China-Thailand Railway, and the Hungary-Serbia Railway, giving China a significant advantage in international high-speed rail project bids.
Chinese high-speed rail is not only technologically advanced but also fast to construct and relatively low in cost, capable of completing large-scale infrastructure projects in a short time.
These advantages have given China a crucial position in the international high-speed rail market.
This high-speed rail construction is significant for both China and Vietnam.
For Vietnam, it will greatly enhance the level of domestic transportation infrastructure and inject new momentum into economic development.
By connecting Hanoi with China, Vietnam can more effectively integrate into regional economic cooperation, attract more foreign investment, and promote the development of tourism and other related industries.
For China, this not only further consolidates its position in the global infrastructure market but also deepens bilateral cooperation with Vietnam.
This high-speed rail will become an essential link in the economic connection between China and Vietnam, promoting the flow of people and goods between the two countries and enhancing the level of regional economic integration.
This project has also sparked widespread discussion abroad. Many netizens believe that Chinese high-speed rail construction is fast and affordable, making it a wise choice for Vietnam.
Some point out that Japan's slower delivery speed on high-speed rail projects has affected its competitiveness.
Additionally, some mention historical factors, suggesting that Vietnam would not forget Japan's invasion during World War II, making choosing China also a historical decision.
Others argue that Southeast Asian countries should cooperate with China to jointly promote regional development.
Some comments suggest that the high costs of infrastructure projects in G7 countries make it difficult for them to compete with China.
Australian netizens expressed that they also need high-speed rail, while the railway conditions in the United States and Canada are even worse.
With the construction of this high-speed rail, the ties between China and Vietnam will become closer.
This project symbolizes the friendship between the two countries and marks an important step in regional economic cooperation.
The high-speed rail will significantly shorten travel time between the two countries, facilitating business and tourism exchanges and promoting frequent economic activities.
Furthermore, cities and regions along the high-speed rail line will have more development opportunities, attract more investment, and drive comprehensive regional economic development.
Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises will find more cooperation opportunities in this process, jointly promoting technological progress and industrial upgrading.
With joint efforts from all parties, this high-speed rail connecting Hanoi and China is expected to become a new model for regional cooperation, making important contributions to regional prosperity and stability.
We look forward to witnessing the gradual realization of this great project in the future, writing a new chapter for the friendship between China and Vietnam and for regional development.
This high-speed rail will not just be a transportation project; it will become a new symbol of cooperation between China and Vietnam, promoting collaboration and exchanges in more fields between the two countries.
Through the construction of this high-speed rail, the ties between China and Vietnam will become closer, symbolizing the friendship between the two countries and marking an important step in regional economic cooperation.
We believe that this high-speed rail will bring more development opportunities and prosperity prospects to both China and Vietnam and the entire Southeast Asia region.
In the future, the continuous expansion and improvement of the high-speed rail network will provide strong support for the rapid development of the regional economy, pushing the Southeast Asian region towards a higher level of development.
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