Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on Chinese companies to help Vietnam develop its rail rector with technology transfers and human resource training.

He was speaking at a meeting with Chinese rail and energy sector executives at the World Economic Forum Dalian Summit being held in China from June 24 to 27.

He told Sun Rongkun, chairman of Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co, that Vietnam has over 2,000 kilometers of rail and 300 stations but does not fully utilize the network.

"But Vietnam now has a different perspective and wants to invest in this form of transport, which can be an affordable alternative to many others."

He sought transfer of technologies and training for personnel from Sun’s company.

Vietnam and China signed a joint statement late last year to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in which they agreed to establish a cross-border standard-gauge railway and start services between Chinese localities and Hanoi and Hai Phong.

Sun said his company wants to partner with Vietnam in manufacturing rolling stock and transferring technologies to make them indigenously.

It is willing to invest in railroad projects in Vietnam, especially in the north, and urban services in Hanoi and HCMC, he said.

It has undertaken projects in Laos and Malaysia, he added.

Energy company PowerChina also expressed a desire to participate in urban rail and energy projects in Vietnam.

Chinh said the company should discuss potential projects with related ministries.

The company has had a presence in Vietnam for 24 years, investing in major hydropower projects, 20 solar power and 25 wind power plants.

Source: VnExpress