Hanoi, Guangzhou to deepen cooperation on urban railway projects
Both cities aim to exchange development experiences and gain insights from one another.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi and Guangzhou plan to strengthen their cooperation in transportation, focusing on urban railway development.
Standing Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong (r) and Vice Secretary of the Party Committee of Guangzhou Chen Xiangtan. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times
This view was expressed during a meeting today [July 4] between Standing Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong and Vice Secretary of the Guangzhou Party Committee Chen Xiangtan.
During the meeting in Hanoi, Chen highlighted the sister-city relationship established in 2023 between Hanoi and Guangzhou, emphasizing that the partnership between the two cities has been deepened over time.
The Guangzhou official admired Vietnam's rapid development, especially Hanoi's, and praised the capital for achieving robust growth while preserving its cultural heritage.
He proposed strengthening transport cooperation, especially in urban railway development, and deeper engagement between the youth of both countries to pass on the legacy of Vietnam–China friendship and build stronger intergenerational ties.
He also called for expanding cultural and tourism cooperation and strengthening economic and trade ties.
Overview of the meeting.
Guangzhou, home to 24 million people and the capital of Guangdong Province, is a key city that receives strong support from President Xi Jinping, according to Chen. Guangzhou leads economic development in Asia's largest economy, aiming for a GRDP of CN¥6.1 trillion (US$835 billion) by 2030.
Chen expressed Guangzhou’s willingness to share its development experiences with Hanoi and hoped to learn valuable lessons from the Vietnamese capital.
In response, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong thanked Guangzhou authorities for their support in preserving historical sites related to President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League.
Phong reaffirmed Hanoi's commitment to leading efforts in expanding international cooperation and emphasized the importance of its relationships with Chinese localities, including Guangzhou.
Standing Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong presents gifts to the delegation from Guangzhou.
Although the Hanoi–Guangzhou partnership was formalized in 2023, it has produced effective outcomes. There remains significant potential in the identified areas of cooperation.
Phong said that Vietnam and Hanoi are entering a new phase of reform with the goal of becoming a globally connected capital with a distinct identity by 2030 and beyond.
He outlined Hanoi’s development pillars, which include culture and people, innovation and digital transformation, a green transition and a circular economy, as well as responses to emerging urban economic challenges.
"With this vision, Hanoi is eager to learn from international partners, especially Chinese cities with similar characteristics," said Phong.
Agreeing with Chen's proposed areas of cooperation, Phong recommended continued delegation exchanges at the city and departmental levels. "It's important to strengthen youth engagement and leveraging each side’s strengths and experiences, particularly in urban rail development, trade, and tourism - areas that closely align with Hanoi’s strategic priorities."
