Deepening Railway Cooperation: France to Assist Vietnam in Developing Strategic Autonomy

(Central News Agency reporter Tseng Ting-hsuan, Hanoi, 8th) Vietnam is about to usher in a peak period of large-scale railway construction. The "France-Vietnam Railway and Urban Transport Forum" kicked off today, gathering French transportation infrastructure giants. French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet stated that France can not only provide professional technology but also serve as a trustworthy partner to assist in developing Vietnam's strategic autonomy. The Vietnamese side also hopes to deepen bilateral railway cooperation. The "France-Vietnam Railway and Urban Transport Forum," organized by Business France, commenced on the 8th in Hanoi, with nearly a hundred industry professionals attending. Vietnamese authorities and French railway and transportation infrastructure leaders gathered, including SNCF (French National Railway Company), Dassault Group, and Saint-Gobain, which built the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles over 300 years ago. As a rapidly developing country targeting double-digit economic growth, Vietnam's railway and metro systems have barely started, attracting the attention of global railway construction groups, including France, which has a long history of metro development and masters top-tier high-speed rail technology. French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet stated in his opening remarks at the forum that he hopes to promote industry exchanges and cooperation through the event. He pointed out that since France and Vietnam upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024, cooperation has deepened, and railways are a key focus of bilateral cooperation. Brochet emphasized that France has time-tested experience in railway construction, with its first metro line dating back 125 years; the TGV (high-speed rail), officially opened in 1981, was Europe's first high-speed rail, and its excellent technology is exported globally through cooperation. Brochet was interviewed by the Central News Agency before the forum, stating that energy transition and infrastructure modernization are at the core of the France-Vietnam partnership, which happens to be France's strength, and the two countries have long historical ties. In terms of transportation infrastructure, France actively responds to Vietnam's expectations for "zero-carbon transport" development, including high-speed rail and metro. France began constructing Hanoi Metro Line 3 more than 10 years ago. The elevated section has been opened, and the underground section is expected to be completed and operational by the end of next year. In addition, France is also seeking other cooperation projects. In terms of energy, France, through the "Just Energy Transition Partnership" (JETP) framework, co-finances with partners to advance Vietnam's energy transition. The French Development Agency (AFD) funds multiple projects, with solar and wind power being France's strengths. "We are discussing with partners the possibility of assisting Vietnam in building nuclear power plants, as Japan announced its withdrawal from the Ninh Thuan 2 project last year. We are in contact with partners interested in the project. France's nuclear power development has not only technical but also safety advantages." Brochet told the Central News Agency that the comprehensive strategic partnership between France and Vietnam can enable Vietnam to strengthen its strategic autonomy. France possesses strategic autonomy in defense, energy, and transportation development, with a complete industrial chain and mastery of technological sovereignty. "We are trustworthy partners who can assist ASEAN member states like Vietnam in developing their autonomy." He emphasized that France's assistance in construction focuses on long-term development, not short-term commercial operations. "We are also in dialogue with Vietnam regarding high-speed rail construction, focusing on long-term benefits rather than short-term profits from equipment sales." Duong Hong Anh, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Railways (VNR), said in his speech that the two countries have a long history of cooperation and he greatly admires France's expertise and technology in railways. He hopes that "France will not only provide technology and equipment but also establish long-term cooperation for sustainable system development and industrial technology," and pledged to provide a suitable investment environment for French companies. Diego Diaz, President of SNCF International, a subsidiary of the French National Railway Company, who came specifically for the forum, met with Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang yesterday. Diaz pointed out in his speech that Vietnam is at a critical juncture for large-scale transportation construction. French technology can bring safety, operational efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. In the subsequent roundtable discussion, representatives from Vietnam Railways and the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Management Unit, as well as Alstom (responsible for Hanoi Metro), CSEE (a railway signaling and integrated systems group with over 120 years of history), NGE (a construction group), and EPC Group (responsible for special projects like blasting and mining), jointly discussed how both sides can achieve mutual expectations and deepen cooperation. French companies emphasized that railway quality is crucial, safety is paramount, and all details are key. The French side pledged to work with all Vietnamese parties to complete the process from design to construction and assist with technology transfer, hoping to further participate in Vietnam's upcoming railway construction boom. The Vietnamese side also looks forward to jointly cultivating a new generation of professionals with France and coordinating integrated system interfaces to build long-term cooperation. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150509