VietNamNet Bridge - Three northern provinces of Hai Phong, Lang Son and Lao Cai have proposed to build high-speed railways to China, according to Transport Minister Truong Quang Nghia.

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Nghia said at the cabinet meeting on July 1 that the ministry would consider and submit to the government for consideration and approval.

The construction of high-speed railways in north Vietnam and the connection of the railway between Vietnam and China has been discussed many times.

In late 2015, in a meeting with the Ministry of Transport, Lang Son province’s officials said the Chinese had said that they would give fund for the Lang Son – Hanoi high speed railway, if Vietnam has such a project.

"The Chinese partner said that the Hanoi - Lang Son railway is used for both passenger and cargo boats so the speed is not high and they want to have a high speed railway of up to 200 km per hours,"said Party Secretary of Lang Son Tran Sy Thanh Son at that time.

Another issue discussed at the government meeting is the mobilization of capital for transport infrastructure development, particularly the North - South high-speed railway project.

Minister Nghia admitted difficulties in seeking capital for transport development.

He said the transport sector currently focuses on restructuring the forms of transport and investment. In the past five years, investment in road transport was huge while investment for inland waterway was very low.

"We should focus on strengthening the infrastructure of waterways. In the southwestern region, waterway transport contributes up to 70-75% of transport capacity," said Nghia.

Linh Nhat