Brian Jeffrey
France is keenly engaged in the North-South High-Speed Rail initiative, currently under discussion by Vietnam’s National Assembly.
On November 9, the Hanoi People’s Committee launched commercial services for the elevated segment of the Nhon-Hanoi Station metro line, marking a significant achievement in the partnership between France and Vietnam in sustainable urban transportation.
French Ambassador to Vietnam, Olivier Brochet, commented on the importance of this milestone.
“The Nhon-Hanoi Station metro line epitomizes the strong partnership between Vietnam and France, especially in Hanoi. With over 500 million euros invested, France has played a vital role, bringing advanced technology through leading French firms,” the Ambassador noted.
During Party General Secretary To Lam’s trip to France in October, the two nations reinforced their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a notable emphasis on sustainable practices, particularly in transportation.
“Vietnam and France both highly value rail transport, including urban systems and inter-provincial links. The launch of the Nhon-Hanoi Station line illustrates France’s ongoing support for Vietnam in this essential area,” the Ambassador confirmed.
This metro line marks both Hanoi’s and Vietnam’s second operational metro line. It is a large-scale endeavor that involves various contractors and extensive cooperation among governmental bodies. “We have gained valuable insights into effective collaboration through this project,” he added.
The Ambassador also pointed out the lessons learned during this initiative that could benefit future urban and high-speed rail projects.
The Ambassador further mentioned, “France is closely monitoring the North-South High-Speed Rail project that is currently under consideration by Vietnam’s National Assembly. We look forward to Vietnam’s decision, which will guide our potential contributions.”
Ambassador Brochet emphasized France’s rich history and expertise in high-speed rail that began in the mid-19th century. Since the introduction of the Paris Metro in 1900 and the inception of the TGV over 40 years ago, France has consistently advanced its technology in this field.
France’s high-speed rail network not only links major cities but also integrates with Europe’s rail system. With over four decades of TGV service, the safety record remains remarkable, with no high-speed accidents despite minor technical issues, illustrating the reliability of France’s high-speed rail model, the Ambassador added.
France is also involved in significant global projects, such as the Grand Paris Express metro expansion and a new 200-kilometer rail line in the Paris area. The country has shared its railway technology worldwide, recently finishing a high-speed project in Morocco.
“Establishing a high-speed rail system is complex and demands extensive management and operational expertise. We are eager to share our knowledge and technology with Vietnam,” the Ambassador said.
On financial matters, Ambassador Brochet mentioned that specifics are hard to provide, as it largely depends on Vietnam’s National Assembly and government decisions regarding the North-South High-Speed Rail project’s funding.
Reports indicate Vietnam plans to fund most of the project through national resources, particularly state finances, while also considering private investment and international collaboration. Should Vietnam opt for a public-private partnership arrangement, France would be highly interested in exploring potential involvement.
Tran Thuong
