Vietnam Railways Guangzhou Metro cooperation has advanced with the signing of a strategic agreement in Hanoi. The deal covers electrified railways, metro lines, future railway development and human resources training.

Vietnam Railways Guangzhou Metro cooperation expands
Photo: hanoimoi.vn

Vietnam Railways Guangzhou Metro cooperation supports wider rail plans

Vietnam Railways Corporation and China’s Guangzhou Metro Group Co., Ltd. formalized the agreement on June 1. The signing follows the direction set by Vietnam and China after Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s state visit to China from April 14 to 17.

Following that visit, the two countries issued a joint statement on deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. The same document also referred to advancing a Vietnam–China community with a shared future that carries higher strategic significance in the new era.

Transport connectivity was one of the central points in that statement. Vietnam and China identified cross-border infrastructure links as a priority, especially railways, road transport and border gates. The wider China-Vietnam railway context was also previously covered by Railway Supply on China-Vietnam railway ties. The two countries also aim to extend transport routes toward Central Asia and Europe, supporting trade flows and logistics development.

Metro lines and electrified railways shape the agenda

At the signing ceremony, Dang Sy Manh, Chairman of the VNR Members’ Council, said Vietnam Railways is working on two strategic tasks. One is the safe and efficient operation of the existing national railway network. The other is preparation for participation in the construction and operation of new railway projects assigned by the Government.

Those future projects include urban railways and high-speed rail lines. Dang Sy Manh also drew attention to the scale of Vietnam’s metro plans in its two largest cities.

By 2035, Hanoi plans to bring seven additional metro lines into service. Together, they should reach nearly 398 kilometers and meet about 35–40% of public transport demand. Ho Chi Minh City is expected to operate six metro lines in the same period, with a total length of around 183 kilometers and a share of roughly 30–40% of passenger transport demand.

VNR and Guangzhou Metro are already working together on a bid related to entrusted operation services for a light railway project on Phu Quoc Island. The companies are also looking at other urban railway projects, including the Bau Bang – Cai Mep line in Ho Chi Minh City, while continuing work on personnel training initiatives.

Guangzhou Metro expertise could support future projects

Dang Sy Manh said VNR wants to build stronger exchanges with enterprises in Guangzhou. He proposed that Guangzhou Metro share technical expertise and operating experience in intercity railway management, electrified standard-gauge railways running at speeds of up to 200 km/h, transit-oriented development and smart railway systems.

Lai Zhihong, Vice Mayor of the Guangzhou municipal People’s Government, welcomed the proposals. He also suggested that the two sides form a joint consortium to move future projects forward.

Vietnam Railways Guangzhou Metro cooperation could also support Vietnam’s long-term railway plans. According to Vietnam Railways Corporation’s official statement, joint work between the two sides may contribute to the country’s goal of developing a 7,000 km national railway network in line with the approved master plan.