Vietnam-Australia Promote Comprehensive Cooperation in Transport

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Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh and Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird agreed to actively discuss to promote cooperation in infrastructure and transportation. (Photo: VNA)

Ambassador Gillian Bird emphasized that the current relationship between Australia and Vietnam is a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with action plans established between both sides to promote cooperation.

In the context of global instability, Australia is keen to strengthen and expand its cooperation with ASEAN countries, among which Vietnam is a leading partner that Australia seeks to enhance bilateral collaboration in the time ahead.

“Australia's stability, prosperity, and security are closely tied to its relationships and cooperation with countries in the region. Therefore, we hope that Vietnam sees Australia as a reliable and long-term partner, especially in the areas of economy and trade, including infrastructure development through programs and projects in collaboration with the Ministry of Construction,” Ambassador Gillian Bird stated.

According to the Ambassador, the Australian Government will provide an Official Development Assistance (ODA) package worth approximately AUD 90 million to Vietnam under the Australia-Vietnam Partnership for Economic Growth (Aus4Growth).

As transport will be a priority area for support, the Ambassador requested the Ministry of Construction to provide information regarding transport initiatives that Australia can assist with, particularly in enhancing aviation cooperation and railway projects.

Minister Tran Hong Minh congratulated Gillian Bird on her appointment as Australian Ambassador to Vietnam. He expressed his belief that, with her understanding and support for Vietnam as the first Australian Ambassador to ASEAN, she will contribute significantly to strengthening the fruitful relations between the two countries.

He highlighted that since establishing diplomatic ties in 1973, the bilateral relationship between the two nations has continuously advanced and upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024, opening up promising opportunities for cooperation and development.

In the transport sector, the Australian Government is currently the largest donor of non-refundable aid to Vietnam. Notably, it has funded the construction of two key bridges, My Thuan (completed in 2000) and Cao Lanh (completed in 2018), significantly contributing to improved connectivity, socio-economic development, and living standards in the Mekong Delta region.

The Australian Government has also expanded its technical assistance to the Ministry of Transport (now the Ministry of Construction) through the Technical Assistance Program for Transport Sector, with a budget of AUD 30 million, implemented from 2017 to June 2024. The program has helped enhance the capacity of the transport sector, accelerate project development, and improve the quality of transport infrastructure.

In response to the information about the Aus4Growth program provided by the Ambassador, Minister Tran Hong Minh welcomed transportation as a priority area under the program. He noted that the Ministry of Construction has assigned specialized agencies to prepare implementation activities focusing on digital transformation, logistics, sustainable infrastructure development, climate change adaptation, green transport, institutional strengthening, and capacity building for ministry officials, affiliated units, and related enterprises to meet new industry development requirements.

“The Ministry of Construction is currently finalizing the content of nine proposed activities to submit to the Embassy for consideration to reach a consensus on the general direction. I hope the Ambassador will continue to support and allocate maximum capital for the Ministry’s activities, as transportation remains Vietnam’s top priority in the time ahead,” the Minister stated.

Regarding aviation cooperation, the Minister said that based on the Aviation Agreement between the two Governments signed on July 31, 1995, and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Aviation Authorities of the two countries signed in December 2023, Vietnamese and Australian airlines have been operating direct flights between the two countries.

Currently, three airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Jetstar Airways, are operating on this route. In the first six months of 2025, the volume reached approximately 700,000 passengers and 17 million tons of cargo, meeting public travel demands and contributing to economic and tourism development between the two nations.

The two sides have completed internal procedures and are now ready to sign the Protocol amending the bilateral air transport agreement between Vietnam and Australia, further facilitating the operations of both sides' airlines.

The Minister proposed that the two sides hold discussions and promote the official signing of the Protocol at a suitable time in the near future. He also suggested that both sides cooperate to increase direct flights to new destinations in Vietnam, such as Long Thanh Airport.

In the railway sector, Minister Tran Hong Minh briefed the Ambassador on the status of two key projects: the North–South high-speed railway and the railway connecting Vientiane (Laos) and Vung Ang (Vietnam).

In particular, the North–South high-speed railway project will span approximately 1,541 km, with a double-track gauge of 1,435 mm, electrification, a design speed of 350 km/h, and an axle load capacity of 22.5 tons. The total estimated investment is USD 67.34 billion. The project aims to be substantially completed by 2035 and is currently in the process of selecting project management consultants and preparing the Feasibility Study Report through international bidding.

Regarding the Vientiane - Vung Ang railway project, the Vietnamese section, Vung Ang–Tan Ap–Mu Gia, is approximately 103 km long, with investment planning scheduled for before and after 2030. The Ministry of Construction has appointed the Petroleum Trading Lao–Deo Ca Investor Joint Venture to develop the Construction Investment Project Proposal. The investor is currently preparing the initial report.

The Lao section, extending from Mu Gia–Tha Khec–Vientiane, is approximately 452 km in length and is being researched and implemented under the BOT method. To promote progress, the Ministry of Construction has established a Working Group to coordinate and consult with the Lao Working Group on three main areas: implementation timeline, technical standards, and methods of capital mobilization.

Concluding the meeting, Minister Tran Hong Minh highlighted the occasion as an opportunity for both sides to recognize the achievements of past cooperation and explore future collaborative potential. He also expressed confidence that, as a bridge between Australia and Vietnam, the Australian Embassy and the Ambassador would continue to support and accompany the Ministry of Construction in carrying out comprehensive strategic cooperation programs for the sustainable development and prosperity of both countries.

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