HCMC – Vietnam and China signed the 44th Vietnam-China Border Railway Protocol on December 12, aiming to strengthen cross-border rail transport and boost trade and tourism between the two countries.
Held annually on a rotational basis, the conference provides a platform for both sides to address operational issues, negotiate agreements, and update the protocol to support international rail freight and passenger services.
According to Tran Thien Canh, director general of the Vietnam Railway Authority (VNRA), the two sides reached a consensus on key issues related to cross-border railway transport after two days of discussions. Yang Bin, chairman of the Board of Directors of China Railway Nanning Bureau Group Company, emphasized plans to expand transit and cross-border capabilities to deepen economic ties.
The conference agenda covered passenger and cargo transport, technical operations, and communication systems.
Despite a global economic downturn that affected 2023 cargo volumes, the VNRA reported strong growth in 2024, with 33,400 TEU containers moved as of November—a 145% year-on-year surge.
Efforts are also underway to revise the 1992 Vietnam-China Border Railway Agreement. The VNRA is collaborating with the National Railway Administration and the State Railway Group of China to propose amendments that better align state management and enterprise operations.
