The Vietnamese Ministry of Construction and the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) jointly organized the Vietnam - Korea Railway Cooperation Forum 2025. The forum aims to enhance bilateral cooperation and share technology and experience of the Korean side in the railway sector. The forum was co-chaired by Korean Minister of MOLIT Park Sangwoo and Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy.
Minister Park Sangwoo, Deputy Minister Nguyen Danh Huy and delegates attended the Forum.
Speaking at the Vietnam – RoK Railway Cooperation Forum 2025, Minister Park Sang-woo from the RoK Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) expressed his delight at the growing Vietnam-RoK relationship, especially since 2022, when the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Cooperation between the two countries has expanded and deepened in various fields, including economy, technology, and infrastructure.
He emphasized that the two countries are now embarking on a new journey of railway cooperation. Korea has been developing high-speed rail projects for more than 20 years, starting with the launch of the first KTX high-speed train line in 2004. KTX has not only served as a transportation system but also a driving force for Korea's development and innovation.
Minister Park Sangwoo spoke to open the Forum.
According to Minister Park Sangwoo, Korea started developing high-speed railways by importing technology from France. However, through national research and development efforts, Korea has become the fourth country in the world to master high-speed railway technology.
“Vietnam’s North-South high-speed railway project will be a major turning point, helping the country emerge as ASEAN’s railway hub. The RoK is ready to accompany Vietnam in every stage of this high-speed rail project, from construction to operation. We will collaborate in technology transfer, training, and expertise sharing”, said Park.
He expressed hope that the forum would mark the beginning of a future partnership, where both countries work together for mutual prosperity.
Deputy Minister Nguyen Danh Huy spoke at the Forum.
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy noted that Vietnam-RoK relations have developed strongly and substantively, achieving remarkable milestones. The two countries have become top partners in various fields, and in the transportation sector alone, the RoK is Vietnam’s second largest bilateral donor.
“Vietnam’s infrastructure modernization has been a priority since the Đổi Mới (Renovation) process started in 1986. Over time, the country has progressively gained expertise in developing road, aviation, maritime, and inland waterway infrastructure. Throughout this process, Vietnam has received valuable support from the Korean government, experts, and businesses”, Huy said.
In his view, Vietnam’s railway development has been modest due to several key challenges, including high investment costs, complex technical requirements, and the need for synchronized and integrated high-tech solutions. So far, the country has focused primarily on upgrading and modernizing existing railways while constructing three new urban railway lines in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Recently, it initiated the Khe Net Pass renovation project with financial support from the Republic of Korea.
According to the Deputy Minister, the government of Vietnam has identified 2025-2035 as a key decade for railway development, identifying the sector as a priority for expansion. He therefore expressed Vietnam’s desire to learn from the RoK experience, particularly in technology transfer, and in mastering railway development and operations.
A Vietnam Railway Corporation representative introduced the master plan for railway network development.
At the forum, a Vietnam Railway Corporation representative introduced the master plan for railway network development and provided updates on ongoing major railway projects in Vietnam. Representatives from the Korea Railroad Corporation and Korea Railroad Corporation shared their experience in constructing and operating high-speed rail systems.
Minister Park Sangwoo and Deputy Minister of Construction of Vietnam Nguyen Danh Huy witnessed the ceremony of handing over 2 Memorandums of Understanding on cooperation between the parties.
A tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed by representatives from the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), Korean National Railway (KNR), and Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR), while another MoU was signed by representatives from the Korea Railway Association (KORASS) and the Vietnam Association of Construction Contractors (VACC). These documents aim to lay the foundation for deeper and more active cooperation between relevant agencies and organizations in the railway development sector in the coming years.
Within the framework of the forum, experts and speakers from the both sides had a thematic discussion on railway projects with 3 important contents: Planning and construction of high-speed railway; Operation and Maintenance; Rolling stock, research and development.