HANOI, SEPTEMBER 2025 — Vietnam is pressing ahead with its ambitious North–South high-speed rail project, a transformative initiative aimed at reshaping national transportation and driving long-term economic growth. To ensure success, the country is actively studying global best practices, drawing valuable lessons from the experiences of leading railway nations.

The University of Transport and Communications has compiled 24 scientific reports that examine high-speed rail technologies and management strategies applied around the world. Japan’s Shinkansen model demonstrates how centralized management combined with transit-oriented development can generate both transportation efficiency and commercial value. South Korea offers another perspective, with its effective use of public–private partnerships built on clear risk-sharing mechanisms that attract private capital into major infrastructure projects. China’s development path shows the benefits of a hybrid approach, where the state leads infrastructure investment while gradually integrating private participation in rolling stock and operations. Meanwhile, European countries such as Germany and France highlight the importance of thorough environmental assessments, transparent competition, and balanced cooperation between public investment and private operators.

For Vietnam, selectively adopting these elements could unlock significant benefits. Japan’s emphasis on transit-oriented development has the potential to create new revenue streams, while South Korea’s framework provides a tested pathway for mobilizing private sector participation. China’s model illustrates how large-scale state involvement in the early stages can evolve into sustainable collaboration with private players, and Europe’s practices reinforce the value of fairness and transparency in implementation.

Ultimately, the success of the North–South high-speed rail project will depend not only on engineering excellence but also on the establishment of a robust legal and institutional foundation. Experts argue that the Vietnamese government must act as both an institutional architect and a guarantor of risks, ensuring clarity, security, and confidence for investors and stakeholders.

By combining international experience with domestic priorities, Vietnam aims to build a high-speed rail system that goes beyond improving travel times. The project is set to stimulate economic activity, foster supporting industries, and enhance regional connectivity, positioning the country at the forefront of modern transportation in Asia.

Source: The Star