On the afternoon of November 11, in Hanoi, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyễn Danh Huy received and held a meeting with the Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Vietnam, Guerrier Julien, to promote bilateral cooperation in the field of transport.
At the meeting, Ambassador Guerrier Julien emphasized the close and effective cooperation between Vietnam and the EU in recent times and noted that both sides are discussing and considering upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
According to Ambassador Guerrier Julien, the EU is granting a non-reimbursable aid of approximately 40 million euros to the proposed Vietnam Transport Facility (VTF)—currently being promoted for establishment by the EU and the French Development Agency (AFD)—in order to serve research, technical assistance, capacity building, mobilizing experts, and preparing green transport projects in Vietnam.
In addition, the Delegation can mobilize about 1 billion euros at preferential interest rates to support the development of Vietnam’s transport sector.
Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyễn Danh Huy and Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Vietnam, Guerrier Julien, agreed on the need for active exchanges between the two sides to promote effective and substantive cooperation (Photo: Tạ Hải).
Regarding specific contents, Ambassador Guerrier Julien stated that, based on a proposal from the Ministry of Construction, the EU Delegation in Vietnam has confirmed its support to Vietnam in researching and adopting European standards in the railway sector. He proposed that the Ministry of Construction coordinate with relevant Vietnamese agencies to complete the administrative procedures as soon as possible to adopt these standards.
With respect to technical assistance, the EU Delegation has sent a diplomatic note inviting the Ministry of Construction to participate in a study program on high-speed rail standards in EU countries.
The EU is also working with the Academy of Strategy for Construction Personnel Training (ACST) and Vietnam Railways Corporation to assess the transition of Vietnam’s existing diesel locomotives to green energy, particularly electric energy.
Furthermore, Ambassador Guerrier Julien mentioned other cooperation contents, such as urban railways, the implementation of motor vehicle regulations related to the Vietnam–EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and the promotion of agreements under the “Net-Zero” emissions framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Deputy Minister Nguyễn Danh Huy expressed his gratitude for the EU’s past cooperation and support in all economic sectors, including transport and construction, and committed that Vietnam will make effective use of the non-reimbursable aid.
He emphasized that Vietnam aims for double-digit economic growth but must ensure that this growth is sustainable. Vietnam is currently facing many challenges from climate change and sea-level rise. Therefore, the country is very interested in solutions for responding to climate change and highly welcomes technical and financial support from the EU in this domain.
Regarding the Ambassador’s proposals, Deputy Minister Huy said that the Ministry of Construction has instructed its units to closely coordinate with the Ministry of Science & Technology so that the General Department of Standards, Metrology, and Quality can promptly complete administrative procedures to adopt European standards for high-speed rail. The Ministry has also dispatched a working delegation to participate in a study trip in Europe, following the EU’s invitation.
Both sides agreed to strengthen comprehensive and effective cooperation in the fields of transport, construction, and climate change response (Photo: Tạ Hải).
Deputy Minister Huy also tasked the Academy of Strategy for Construction Personnel Training to actively exchange with the EU on researching and evaluating suitable solutions for converting diesel locomotives to green energy in the context of Vietnam’s conditions.
He affirmed that the Ministry will closely cooperate with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in implementing urban railway projects, as these are fundamental solutions to address urban traffic congestion.
Regarding maritime and inland waterway cooperation, especially in relation to implementing commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the Deputy Minister affirmed that Vietnam always strives to fulfill its emissions reduction commitments and climate resilience goals. However, he noted that priorities may vary at different stages, with the overarching goal of sustainable development and full commitment implementation.
“The Ministry of Construction hopes that the EU will continue to provide technical support, share experiences, and provide financial resources to promote cooperation programs in energy transition, green urban development, and building resilient infrastructure in the face of climate change, contributing to deepening the partnership between Vietnam and the European Union toward the shared goal of green, sustainable, and prosperous development,” the Deputy Minister said.
At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue actively exchanging information to soon resolve existing difficulties, clarify issues of mutual concern, and promote more effective cooperation.
Source: Bao Xay Dung
