Vietnam seeks to learn from China with high-speed rail plan

Vietnam is looking to China for guidance in developing its first high-speed railway network, with plans for a 1,545km system that could cost up to $72 billion, according to Reuters on Monday.

The government aims to learn from China’s advanced railway industry in technology, financing, and management, the report added.

Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment recently visited China to discuss co-operation on railways. While Vietnam has also sought support from Japan, Southeast Asia has been slow to adopt high-speed rail.

Laos is the only country in the region with a high-speed system, funded by Chinese loans. The timeline for Vietnam’s high-speed rail project is still pending parliamentary approval.