France wishes to organize luxury antique train between Hanoi and HCM City

Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang works with French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet. (Photo: sggp.org.vn)

However, to realize the wish, it is necessary to repair and renovate antique train carriages that have been in operation for 30 years or more and import them into Vietnam. Therefore, the Ambassador requested the Ministry of Transport to allow exceptions to current regulations so that the train carriages can run on Vietnam’s railways.

Minister Nguyen Van Thang supported the idea of organizing the antique tourist trains. However, the French side needs to clearly state any exceptions when using the antique train carriages, from which the two sides can discuss and determine the authority of the agency to submit to that agency for resolution, including the Ministry of Transport. In case the request exceeds its authority, the Ministry of Transport will have to submit it to the Prime Minister.

At the meeting, Ambassador Olivier Brochet also said that France has decided to provide non-refundable aid of 700,000 Euro for a French enterprise to conduct surveys and research on the Long Bien Bridge renovation project.

After research, the renovation will require capital. Currently, the French Development Agency in Vietnam (AFD) is ready to provide partial support. The Ambassador hoped that the Ministry of Transport would coordinate with the Hanoi People’s Committee to carry out procedures for the French side to quickly implement the project.

The two sides also expressed their desire to cooperate in investing in electrified railway projects such as Thu Thiem - Long Thanh, Hanoi - Hai Phong and urban railway development projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City./.