Louis Vuitton and several French fashion brands want to organize a luxury antique train between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to serve tourists, according to Ambassador Olivier Brochet.
Speaking with Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang on November 23, French Ambassador Olivier Brochet said that many French businesses are interested in and looking for investment opportunities in Vietnam.
For example, in the railway sector, some famous fashion brands, including Louis Vuitton, want to organize a luxury vintage train between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to serve tourists. The North-South railway line, with the starting and ending points in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, is 1,730 km long, and was once rated by Lonely Planet ( the world's largest travel guidebook) as one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world.
The Ambassador said that the company will repair and renovate old train cars that have been in operation for 30 years or more and then import them into Vietnam. Therefore, he proposed that the Ministry allow exceptions to current regulations so that the train cars can run on Vietnam's railways.
France also wishes to cooperate in investing in electrified railway projects such as Thu Thiem - Long Thanh, Hanoi - Hai Phong; develop a fleet of aircraft with French-made aircraft such as Airbus, ATR, and use French technology and equipment at Vietnamese airports.
The Ambassador added that the French Government has also decided to provide non-refundable aid of 700,000 euros for a French enterprise to conduct a survey and research on the Long Bien Bridge renovation project. After the research is completed, the French Development Agency is ready to support part of the capital for the renovation. He asked the Ministry of Transport and Hanoi City to carry out procedures so that the French side can soon implement the project.
Regarding the idea of organizing the operation of an ancient tourist train, Minister Nguyen Van Thang said he strongly supports it. However, the French side needs to clarify the exceptions when using old train cars, so that they can discuss and determine the authority of the relevant agencies. In case of exceeding the authority, the Ministry will have to report to the Prime Minister.
The Minister expressed his hope that France would support ODA loans as well as call on businesses to jointly develop railway lines, especially those connecting seaports, border gates, and economic centers.
Minister Nguyen Van Thang also said that in addition to the Long Thanh international airport project being implemented, Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports being expanded, Vietnam will invest in small and medium-sized airports in the provinces. This is the potential that Vietnam calls for private enterprises to invest in, including French enterprises. Along with developing airport infrastructure, Vietnam also has a need to develop its aircraft fleet, so it wants to promote cooperation with France.
Duc Minh
Source link
Comment (0)