Private firms urged to fast-track documents for North-South railway construction

In their proposals, VinSpeed plans to implement the North-South high-speed railway project in five years while Thaco, seven years.

VinSpeed and Thaco have been urged to complete documents seeking approval for the proposals to invest in the North-South high-speed railway. (Photo: VNA)
VinSpeed and Thaco have been urged to complete documents seeking approval for the proposals to invest in the North-South high-speed railway. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Minister of Construction has requested VinSpeed High-Speed Rail Investment and Development JSC and Truong Hai Group Joint Stock Company (Thaco) to complete documents seeking approval of their proposals to invest in the North-South high-speed railway.

The two enterprises were also urged to finalise documents for submission to the Ministry of Finance and competent sectors for investment policy approval in accordance with the Law on Investment. Earlier, the Politburo had issued Resolution No. 68 on the private sector development, encouraging private firms to engage in the national strategic projects such as high-speed railway, urban railway, and spearhead industries.

VinSpeed has proposed a total investment of over 1.56 quadrillion VND (61.35 billion USD) for the high-speed rail project, excluding compensation and relocation costs for site clearance. Under their financing structure, VinSpeed will arrange 20% of the total project capital, equivalent to 312.33 trillion VND, while seeking an interest-free state loan for the remaining amount over a 35-year period from the date of disbursement.

It plans to break ground on the project before December 2025 and complete the entire rail line for commercial operation before December 2030. The firm is negotiating technology transfer agreements with partners from the countries with a leading railway industry including China, Germany, and Japan for the domestic manufacturing of locomotives, carriages, and signalling systems.

Thaco has made a similar proposal with a total investment of over 1.56 quadrillion VND for the project, with the site clearance work to be handled by the State and excluded from the total capital.

Under its financing model, Thaco will contribute 20% of the total investment while mobilising the remaining 80% through domestic and foreign credit institutions with full government guarantee and interest subsidisation over 30 years.

Thaco proposed implementing the project in two phases over seven years, applying electrified rail-on-track technology meeting international standards. The company plans to collaborate with domestic enterprises in receiving technology transfers from leading global partners in Europe, including Germany and France, and Asia, particularly Japan and the Republic of Korea./.

VNA

See more

Freshly prepared dishes served at the event (Photo: VNA)

US promotes agricultural products to Vietnamese consumers

The “US Agricultural Discovery” programme, co-hosted by the US Department of Agriculture and the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, kicked off in the southern hub on July 19 as part of activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries (1995–2025).

Cao Xuan Thang, Trade Counsellor and Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, speaks at the festival (Photo: VNA)

Singapore trade event helps Vietnamese enterprises boost exports

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Festival 2025 was held in Singapore on July 18 as a meaningful trade promotion event that strengthens bilateral economic, trade, and investment ties and helps realise the economic cooperation contents of the Vietnam–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam addresses the seminar (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos hold cross-border e-commerce seminar in Vientiane

Representatives from Vietnam and Laos emphasised the essential role of digital platforms, which are seen as the backbone of the e-commerce ecosystem. They also highlighted the significance of infrastructure in facilitating the smooth transport of goods between the two countries.

Sock production line for export at SUNJIN AT&C VINA Co., Ltd., Chan May - Lang Co economic zone, Hue city. (Photo: VNA)

Transparent business environment appealing to foreign investors

During the first half of 2025, the total registered FDI reached 21.51 billion USD, up 32.6% year-over-year. This includes 9.3 billion USD in new investments, down 9.6%; 8.95 billion USD in additional capital for existing projects, a 2.2-fold increase; and 3.28 billion USD through capital contributions and share purchases, up 73.6%.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Duc Long meets with Google’s Vice President for Emerging Markets Doron Avni in Hanoi on July 17. ( VGP Photo)

MoST partners with Google to explore digital transformation, AI, SMEs

The two sides agreed to establish a joint task force to formalise their collaboration, with a strong focus on quantum technology, a strategic frontier of the digital age, and AI-powered solutions to help Vietnamese SMEs enhance their competitiveness and modernise their operations.

VBAB Chairman Nguyen Thanh Vinh (left) meets with a Belgium business representative. (Photo: VNA)

Business network helps connect Vietnam with Belgium, EU markets

As Vietnam accelerates green and digital transition, the Vietnam Business Association in Belgium (VBAB) is prioritising connections with capable Belgian partners in clean energy, particularly hydrogen and renewable energy, and smart seaport planning.

Kim Long Motor's passenger bus assembly line. (Photo of Kim Long Motor)

Kim Long Motor Hue multiplies investment sixfold

The company’s decision to inject an additional 21 trillion VND (804 million USD) into the project not only reflects its ambition to scale up operations but also signals a strategic shift towards exports and integration into global supply chains.

Hanoi’s key industries given priority to drive growth

Hanoi’s key industries given priority to drive growth

Hanoi is implementing a series of breakthrough plans, ranging from attracting investment and developing high-tech products to facilitating businesses’ global expansion, with a goal of transforming it into the country’s leading hub for key industries and supporting industries.