Promoting Viet Nam-EU cooperation in green infrastructure and sustainable transport development

The two sides discussed cooperation directions regarding the development of green infrastructure, sustainable transport, and high-speed railway, as well as the increased application of technology in the management and operation of transport infrastructure.

At the meeting, Ambassador Julien Guerrier highly appreciated the results achieved in the cooperative relationship between the EU and Viet Nam in recent times, particularly in the transport sector.

According to Ambassador Guerrier, within the efforts to deepen the bilateral partnership and make it more practical and effective, the EU looks forward to the Ministry of Construction continuing to share information on development orientations and priorities in the construction and transport sectors, especially regarding specific programmes and projects requiring international support and cooperation.

Regarding sustainable transport, the EU has launched the Viet Nam Transport Support Programme, worth 40 million EUR, led by the French Development Agency (AFD). The EU is currently coordinating with Vietnamese authorities to compile a list of potential projects, focusing on three areas: railways, inland waterways, and urban transport.

Concerning high-speed railway, Ambassador Julien Guerrier welcomed the fact that the EU Delegation to Viet Nam has received a list of 313 standards from the Vietnamese side for consideration in signing a copyright agreement. This serves as a crucial foundation for Viet Nam to gain full access to the EU's standards system, thereby helping to resolve challenges related to researching, reviewing, and selecting standards for high-speed railway projects.

Additionally, the EU is conducting studies to support carbon emission reductions in the railway sector and is preparing to launch a technical assistance programme designed to provide a comprehensive overview of European railway service providers.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Tran Hong Minh highly valued the EU's role and positive contributions to Viet Nam's development and international integration.

The minister noted that EU support for infrastructure development, the green transition, and sustainable development has helped enhance the Ministry of Construction's state management efficiency while opening further cooperation opportunities in areas prioritised by Viet Nam.

Discussing future cooperation directions, Minister Tran Hong Minh requested EU support for two key areas of focus.

First, supporting the establishment of a system for the measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) of emissions, while also promoting the transfer of green energy technology for locomotives and rolling stock.

Second, supporting research and policy refinement to develop low-emission public transport and smart transport systems as well as enhancing access to international climate finance sources.

In particular, Viet Nam wishes to collaborate with the EU to open new direct maritime routes or enhance existing ones between Viet Nam and Europe, thereby boosting logistics capacity, reducing transport costs, and fostering bilateral trade.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to maintain close coordination, urgently discuss and clarify the scope, content, and feasibility of research and technical assistance programmes and projects, aiming towards early practical implementation.