VietNamNet Bridge - The Ministry of Transport is studying the trans-Asian railway project, which will connect the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong route of Vietnam to Southwest China.

At the meeting with the Chinese partners on April 26, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc Dong said that the Hai Phong - Ha Noi - Lao Cai railway is vital to connect with China's railway, which links to the railway of other Asian and European countries.

However, thevrailway of Vietnam still uses the narrow gauge of 1,000 mm, while the standard gauge is 1,435 mm. Therefore, this project will focus on studies of the 1,435 mm gauge. Deputy Minister Dong also asked the Chinese side to suggest measures to raise funds from social sources for this project.

At the meeting, the Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam said the Chinese government attaches great importance to this railway route, as it is part of the trans-Asian railway and also part of the strategy of "two corridors, one economic belt". The project is expected to help social-economic development in the northwest Vietnam and southwest China.

After the meeting, a group of specialists of the two sides will continue to study documentation and make field surveys to make assessments and proposals for the building of the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway.

Le Ha