Ambassador Brochet stated this information during a meeting held with Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang on November 23, noting that many French businesses are currently keen on seeking investment opportunities in Vietnam.

The French diplomat assessed that the North-South railway, with its starting and ending points being Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, stretches for 1,730 km and was once rated by the world's largest travel guide Lonely Planet as being one of the most beautiful railways in the world.

The Ambassador said the firm will repair and renovate ancient train cars that have been in operation for 30 years or more before then importing them into Vietnam.

He added that French enterprises are interested in investing in electrified railway projects such as Thu Thiem - Long Thanh, Hanoi - Hai Phong, as well as developing an aircraft fleet such as Airbus and ATR, all of which are manufactured in France.

The French Government has also decided to provide non-refundable aid of EUR700,000 for a French firm to conduct surveys on the Long Bien Bridge renovation project, he said.

After completing the surveys, the French Development Agency (AFD) is willing to provide a part of the funding for renovation.

For his part, Minister Thang voiced his support for the idea of organising an ancient tourist train, hoping that France would continue to supporting ODA loans, as well as calling on French businesses to jointly develop railway routes connecting seaports, border gates, and economic hubs.

Source: VOV