Vietnam–China to prioritize railway cooperation and technology transfer, seeking financing.

During a state visit to China on April 15–16, 2026, General Secretary and President To Lam met with Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, urging both sides to deepen cooperation in economics, trade, investment, and tourism. The Vietnamese leader also called for a breakthrough in strategic infrastructure connectivity, with railway cooperation identified as the highest priority to strengthen links with Central Asia and Europe.

Vietnam’s requests and proposed cooperation areas

To Lam asked China to provide loan financing, train human resources, and support technology transfer so Vietnam can operate, maintain, and repair electrified railway systems. Vietnam also proposed expanding the “smart border gate” model and jointly implementing cross-border economic cooperation zones in border localities.

In addition, To Lam proposed that China support and facilitate Vietnam’s effective participation in the “Share Market – Export to China” initiative and open the market for Vietnamese agricultural and livestock products that meet standards. He also suggested increasing the capacity and output of electricity imports from China.

The Vietnamese side further emphasized high-quality investment cooperation across science and technology, education and training, finance, agriculture, environmental priorities, and advanced sectors including artificial intelligence, free trade zones, smart cities, and smart manufacturing. It also raised the need to address pollution in major urban areas and accelerate the implementation of projects aided by China.

Key railway lines in Vietnam–China cooperation

Vietnam–China railway cooperation is presented as both a near-term need and a long-term strategic development space, aimed at modernizing infrastructure, reducing logistics costs, and expanding international connectivity while enabling Vietnam to build capacity in the railway industry.

The cooperation includes three railway lines:

• Hanoi–Dong Dang
• Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong
• Hai Phong–Ha Long–Mong Cai

Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong line: scale, specifications, and timeline

The Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong line has total investment of about VND 203,231 billion (roughly USD 8.4 billion). The main line is about 391 km long, built to standard gauge 1,435 mm, using electrified standard railway technology.

Design speeds are 160 km/h for passenger trains and 120 km/h for freight. The first component of the line began construction in December 2025, marking the start of implementation of one of the region’s largest infrastructure projects.

The route runs through six provinces: Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, and Hai Phong. The line starts at a rail crossing at the border in Lao Cai and ends at Lach Huyen Station in Hai Phong.

By province, the line length is approximately:

• Lao Cai: ~145 km
• Phu Tho: ~100 km
• Hanoi: ~38 km
• Bac Ninh: ~3 km
• Hung Yen: ~16 km
• Hai Phong: ~89 km

The project is expected to form a new transport axis linking Vietnam’s northern region with Hai Phong port and supporting an economic corridor connecting with China.

Related rail projects and network targets

Separately, the North–South high-speed railway project is scheduled to commence no later than December 2026. The article also notes that multiple urban rail projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are currently under development.

Under the 2021–2030 railway network plan with a vision to 2050, Vietnam targets the national railway network to carry 11.8 million tons of goods (about 2.3 times the 2019 level) and 21.5 million passengers (about 2.7 times 2019).