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According to Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao, the Vietnamese government plans to begin construction on two high-speed rail lines connecting Hanoi to China by 2030. This ambitious plan involves building a 1,545-kilometer high-speed rail system, with an estimated cost of $72 billion, equivalent to 17% of Vietnam's GDP. The Vietnamese Ministry of Transport announced that one high-speed rail line will extend from Hanoi to Lang Son Province, bordering China’s Guangxi region, while the other will connect Hanoi to Lao Cai Province, bordering China’s Yunnan region. This line will pass through the port city of Haiphong and Quang Ninh Province, home to Ha Long Bay. These two high-speed rail lines are seen as significant steps in modernizing Vietnam's transportation network, enhancing connectivity with China, and supporting overall economic development goals. The North-South High-Speed Rail concept in Vietnam is not new. In 2006, during a visit to Japan, then-Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung received a substantial commitment from the Japanese government for development aid. However, the project faced intense debate and was eventually rejected in 2010 due to its high cost and unaffordable ticket prices. Fast forward to 2023: Vietnam’s per capita GDP reached $4,200, and the urbanization rate hit 41%, comparable to China’s level between 2008 and 2010. In April 2024, the Ministry of Transport announced plans for two high-speed rail lines. This development is part of the Red River Delta strategy to strengthen transportation infrastructure, reduce congestion, and promote economic growth. This video explores Vietnam's strategic move to enhance its transportation network and economic ties with China through the North-South high-speed rail. It delves into the history, current plans, and future prospects of this ambitious project, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and economic integration. #VietnamHighSpeedRail #NorthSouthRailway #VietnamChinaConnectivity #RedRiverDeltaDevelopment #HighSpeedRailInfrastructure
