Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed China to cooperate with Vietnam to build a modern and integrated railway industry during talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, held in Tianjin on June 24.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF Tianjin 16), with the attendance of the two PMs, among senior leaders from many other countries and international organizations. 

The Vietnam Government leader proposed the synchronized implementation of three standard-gauge railway lines connecting Vietnam and China, with priority given to accelerating the groundbreaking of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong route in December 2025.

Regarding trade cooperation, PM Chinh suggested that China expand imports of Vietnamese agricultural products, strengthen electricity grid connectivity, accelerate the construction of smart border gates, and study the pilot model of cross-border economic cooperation zones.

The two countries should boost cooperation in science and technology, innovation, healthcare, culture, sports, tourism, and aviation, he said.

Premier Li Qiang proposed the early organization of the first meeting of the Joint Committee on Railway Cooperation, accelerating feasibility studies, and adopting the best possible plan for implementation, ensuring scientific integrity, safety, and compliance with standards.

He affirmed China’s readiness to expand imports of more high-quality Vietnamese goods and to encourage capable enterprises to invest in Vietnam in fields such as AI, digital economy, green economy, next-generation 5G, and satellite applications.