Chinese leadership has pledged comprehensive railway infrastructure support to Vietnam, offering financing options, technological expertise, workforce development, and industrial capacity building, according to a joint statement released Friday by China’s foreign ministry.
The commitment emerged from discussions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vietnamese President To Lam during their Wednesday meeting, with China promising to encourage its companies to engage in railway development projects within Vietnam.
The railway collaboration represents what both nations describe as a “new bright spot” in their strategic partnership, reinforcing the leaders’ push for enhanced transportation and logistics connections between the countries.
Vietnam participates in China’s major Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to create transportation networks linking Asia and Europe through projects financed by Chinese state-backed institutions and investments.
During their talks, Xi emphasized to Lam the importance of maintaining strong strategic focus and placing political security as a top priority. Lam concluded his inaugural international visit as Vietnam’s newly elected president on Friday.
The leaders formalized their cooperation through 32 partnership agreements, including arrangements for railway project feasibility assessments and programs to develop skilled personnel in the sector, according to China’s official Xinhua news agency.
Their expanded partnership will encompass additional sectors including aviation, security cooperation, technological development, renewable energy initiatives, and critical mineral resources.
In a related business development, Vietnamese budget carrier Vietjet finalized a financing agreement this week with China’s SPDB Financial Leasing to acquire 10 C909 narrow-body aircraft manufactured by Shanghai-based COMAC.
