Exciting Beginnings at Hanoi's Railway Station

Excitement filled the air as 67-year-old Mr. Ma Ronghong and his tour group boarded the brightly adorned 'Vietnam-China Friendship Train' at Hanoi's bustling railway station.

A Growing Friendship

On his first visit to Vietnam, Mr. Ma, hailing from Chengdu, is embarking on a 12-day exploration of the country by train and bus, commencing his journey from Nanning in China. He expressed that while Vietnam's transport development lags behind China’s, he remains optimistic about future improvements. "If they improve this last mile, it will definitely be a win-win for everyone," he remarked.

New Opportunities on the Horizon

This optimism is shared among many, as new cross-border rail links are poised to revolutionize trade and tourism between China and Vietnam. Tour guide Mr. Zhou Jianwei noted, "If the railways are directly connected, it will make visiting Vietnam more convenient and enjoyable for travelers, allowing them to admire its stunning landscapes."

Tour Demand is Soaring!

The Chinese tour agency that Mr. Zhou works with has increased its rail tour offerings from once a month to five times a month due to surging interest, offering packages for under $400. Travelers are drawn to this affordable alternative to flying, allowing them to explore multiple cities with ease.

Streamlining Connections is Key

Vietnam and China are actively collaborating on three major railway projects, aimed at resolving current challenges where passengers and goods must switch trains at the border due to differing railway gauges.

Big Investments for Bright Futures

Last month, during President Xi Jinping's visit to Hanoi, a new railway cooperation framework was established. Feasibility studies for two selected projects have begun, while a third line connecting Kunming in China to Lao Cai in Vietnam is set to commence construction in 2025. This $8 billion project is seen as crucial for upgrading Vietnam's aging railway infrastructure, originally developed during French colonial rule.

Envisioning a Travel Revolution

Freelancer, Mr. Vi Dinh Tian, expressed, "If a train link to China exists, I would opt for it over driving, as it provides an opportunity to experience diverse transportation modes." He shared his excitement about the prospective connection, which promises to enhance travel convenience.

Economic Prospects Galore

With the natural advantage of Hai Phong’s significant port, shorter travel times will facilitate smoother trade and logistics. Vietnam's top leader, To Lam, emphasized the importance of railways in infrastructure cooperation, urging China to support with concessional loans. Dr. Nguyen Khac Giang noted that these developments aim to diversify Vietnam's economic partnerships, particularly away from reliance on the US, while strengthening ties with China during global trade tensions.

Balancing Caution and Collaboration

Despite the promising agreements made during President Xi's visit, Dr. Nguyen cautioned against placing too much reliance on Chinese investment. The bigger picture remains Vietnam's north-south high-speed railway project, which links the entire length of the country and involves more complex security considerations. As Vietnam navigates its relationship with China, the emphasis remains on cautious cooperation to ensure sustainable development.