Many international experts are optimistic about the prospects of the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project.

According to China Daily, the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project is expected by many international experts to boost Vietnam - China trade in the coming years.

In a recent article published in China Daily, many international experts expressed optimism about the news that the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong Railway was officially approved by the National Assembly on February 19. According to experts, this project not only promotes Vietnam - China trade, but is also considered an important "link" in railway routes in Asia, opening up great opportunities for regional trade.

The Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project is expected by many international experts to strongly promote trade between China and Southeast Asia. Photo:xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn

"Leverage" to help develop trade

Mr. Xu Liping, Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, commented: "When the railway is put into operation, it will significantly improve trade between China and Vietnam. Vietnamese goods can be transported to Europe faster and more economically through the China-Europe freight train network."

He also stressed that the project is an important step in enhancing connectivity between China and Southeast Asia, and promoting cross-border trade flows and exchanges.

Wilson Lee Flores, President of the Anvil Business Association in the Philippines, agreed. He said that rail infrastructure would help reduce shipping times and delivery costs, which are especially important for countries in the Mekong Subregion.

"The Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project is an important axis in building a trans-Asian railway network. Vietnam's geographical location makes it a gateway between China and Southeast Asia," Mr. Flores emphasized.

Linda Tjia Yin Nor, Associate Professor at the Department of Public and International Affairs at the City University of Hong Kong, shared a similar view. “The growth of e-commerce has fueled the need for greater connectivity between China and Southeast Asia. Therefore, the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project will become an important part of the globalization of e-commerce,” she said.

Solutions to overcome obstacles

Despite its great potential, the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project also faces many challenges. Mr. Zhao Weihua, Director of the Center for China's Relations with Neighboring Countries at Fudan University, commented: "The challenges to China-Vietnam railway cooperation are not just a matter of trade but also involve profound strategic issues."

To overcome these challenges, experts proposed a number of specific solutions, the most important of which is to strengthen Vietnam-China cooperation. Mr. Zhao emphasized: "We need to build trust not only at the high leadership level but also among the parties implementing and coordinating cooperation in the project. Only in this way can negative factors be eliminated."

In addition, the Chinese expert said that Vietnam needs to diversify investors in railway projects and change outdated regulations. Mr. Zhao said: "Vietnam needs to attract capital from many countries to implement the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong Railway project. Unifying technical standards and applying segmented bidding can also reduce concerns about maintenance costs and security."

Third, during the cooperation process, the Vietnamese railway industry needs to increase the use of local labor, goods and services. Mr. Zhao emphasized: "It is very important to train Vietnamese management experts and raise awareness of benefits from the project. This will help improve internal capacity and ensure long-term benefits for Vietnam."

Finally, accelerating railway, road and waterway projects with neighboring countries such as Laos, Thailand and Myanmar will expand the scope of connectivity and create momentum for the overall development of the entire region. Mr. Zhao said: "Vietnam can refer to the China-Laos Railway model and the China-Europe freight train service. These are all practical lessons that need to be replicated."

The Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway is not only a major infrastructure project but also a symbol of regional cooperation, towards a future of connectivity and sustainable development. With optimism from experts and specific solutions to overcome challenges, this project promises to bring great economic benefits to both Vietnam and the Southeast Asian region.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/nhieu-chuyen-gia-quoc-te-lac-quan-ve-trien-vong-cu-a-du-an-duong-sat-lao-cai-ha-noi-hai-phong-376133.html