Louis Vuitton wants to organize a luxury antique train in Hanoi

Ambassador Olivier Brochet said that France hopes that the two countries' cooperation will move to a new stage in the next 20 years with new programs and focuses.

According to Mr. Olivier Brochet, in the field of transport, France has a lot of experience and strengths in investing in airport construction, aircraft manufacturing, high-speed railways, urban railways, etc. and can support and cooperate in development in Vietnam. In addition to support through the French Development Agency (AFD), France can mobilize support from multilateral mechanisms such as the European Union (EU). Specifically, the EU's "Global Gateway" initiative aims to create global connectivity with a total fund of about 300 billion euros, of which nearly 20% is contributed by France. France wants to allocate funds from this initiative to invest in developing the transport sector in Vietnam. Therefore, Vietnam needs to proactively explore ways to access this source of capital.

Ambassador Olivier Brochet also mentioned specific cooperation projects. In particular, the Hanoi Metro Line 3 project (Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station urban railway line) is a highly symbolic project for the cooperation between the two countries. Although the progress was delayed for various reasons, it has now been resolved. The goal is to put the elevated part of the project into operation by mid-2024. The Ambassador expressed his hope that the Vietnamese side, when appraising the project, will complete this procedure soon so that the project can be inaugurated on schedule.

In addition, France has recently decided to provide non-refundable aid of 700,000 euros for a French enterprise to conduct a survey and research on the Long Bien Bridge renovation project. After the research, capital will be needed for the renovation; AFD is ready to provide partial support, the Ministry of Transport can coordinate with the Hanoi People's Committee to carry out procedures so that the French side can quickly implement the project.

In particular, regarding cooperation in the railway sector, Ambassador Olivier Brochet informed that a number of famous fashion and luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, are interested in organizing a luxury antique train between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to serve tourists. However, to do so, it is necessary to repair and renovate antique train cars that have been in operation for 30 years or more and import them into Vietnam. Therefore, the French side hopes that the Ministry of Transport will allow exceptions to current regulations so that the train cars can run on Vietnam's railways.

Regarding the discussion contents mentioned by Mr. Olivier Brochet, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang highly appreciated the "Global Gateway" initiative. If Vietnam is allowed to participate in this initiative, it can help realize the goal of promoting investment while still attaching importance to sustainable development, including ensuring emission reduction according to Vietnam's commitment at COP26. Therefore, the Vietnamese side will proactively study and make specific proposals. At the same time, the Ministry of Transport commits to support and create favorable conditions for the French side to study and implement the Long Bien Bridge renovation project.

Regarding the Hanoi metro line 3 project, Mr. Nguyen Van Thang suggested that the Ambassador recommend the French Government to extend the loan for disbursement so that the project can be completed soon.

Regarding the idea of ​​organizing a tourist train tour, the commander of the Vietnamese transport sector supports it, but suggests that the French side should clarify what exceptions are needed when using old train cars. From there, the two sides will discuss and determine which agency has the authority to submit to that agency for resolution, including the Ministry of Transport. In case of exceeding the authority, the Ministry of Transport will have to submit to the Prime Minister.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/louis-vuitton-muon-to-chuc-doan-tau-co-hang-sang-giua-ha-noi-tphcm-185231124075445043.htm