Vietnamese ambassador Trinh Duc Hai met Diego Diaz, president of SNCF International under French National Railway Company (SNCF), on March 23 to discuss potential collaboration.
Hai said the Vietnam-France comprehensive strategic partnership is strengthening, with railway development identified as a priority area.
He highlighted recent high-level exchanges, including prime minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to SNCF in June 2025 and French transport minister Philippe Tabarot’s trip to Vietnam, which have helped advance cooperation in infrastructure.
Diaz shared SNCF’s experience in operating the TGV network, describing it as one of the world’s most successful models, and reaffirmed the company’s readiness to support Vietnam through consultancy, training and technology transfer.
Both sides discussed high-speed rail development models, stressing a phased approach to ensure economic efficiency and long-term sustainability. Lessons from countries including France and Morocco were highlighted as useful references.
Hai praised France’s strengths in railway technology, noting the TGV system’s high safety standards, operational efficiency and environmental performance, which align with Vietnam’s green transition goals.
He also acknowledged French-supported projects in Vietnam, including those backed by the French Development Agency and SNCF, such as technical assistance programmes and the Nhon-Hanoi station metro line.
The two sides agreed to continue implementing cooperation agreements focused on technology transfer, financial support, workforce training and knowledge sharing, while expanding collaboration in planning, operations and the development of technical standards for the railway sector.