PM Chính Engages Russian Firms to Boost Infrastructure, Railway Cooperation

Moscow, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính held high-level meetings with leaders of major Russian infrastructure companies in Moscow on Wednesday, as part of his official visit to Russia, aimed at تعزيز cooperation in railways, digital technology, and urban infrastructure.

During talks with AFK Sistema, one of Russia’s крупнейших private conglomerates, the Vietnamese prime minister encouraged the group to expand its investments in Việt Nam, particularly in sectors where Russian expertise aligns with Vietnam’s growing demand. These sectors include information technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and nuclear energy.

He also called for enhanced cooperation in emerging fields such as digital assets, underground infrastructure, and space technology, with a particular focus on developing urban metro systems in Hà Nội and Ho Chi Minh City.

AFK Sistema Chairman Vladimir Petrovich Evtushenkov expressed strong interest in deepening investment ties with Việt Nam, revealing plans to establish a legal entity and office in Hà Nội. He said the group is exploring projects such as the construction of a “Moscow House” in the Vietnamese capital, urban railway development, and pilot initiatives in biometric databases, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and AI-powered surveillance systems.

The company is also seeking long-term partnerships with Vietnamese manufacturers in pharmaceutical production and transformer technology, while exploring pilot projects in fintech and digital assets.

Prime Minister Chính welcomed AFK Sistema’s proposals, noting that they align closely with Việt Nam’s development priorities. He assured that the government would direct relevant agencies to facilitate project implementation in accordance with legal frameworks, ensuring balanced benefits, shared risks, and effective investment outcomes.

Separately, the Vietnamese leader held talks with Oleg Belozyorov, Chief Executive of Russian Railways (RZD), focusing on expanding bilateral railway cooperation and enhancing international freight transport connectivity.

Russian Railways, a wholly state-owned enterprise with an estimated revenue of $34.5 billion in 2025, manages one of the world’s largest railway systems, spanning approximately 86,000 kilometres. The network includes the Trans-Siberian Railway—the longest railway line globally at around 9,289 kilometres—and boasts the world’s largest electrified railway infrastructure, with over 51 percent of tracks electrified.

The discussions highlighted opportunities to strengthen freight connectivity between Việt Nam and Russia, where rail cargo volumes surged by more than 40 percent in 2025, despite challenges such as incompatible track gauges that increase costs and transit time.

Prime Minister Chính called for stronger collaboration to develop international rail freight corridors linking Việt Nam to Russia through China, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. He also emphasized the importance of promoting intermodal transport through digital transformation, green transition, and smart governance.

Additionally, he urged closer cooperation in urban railway development and large-scale underground infrastructure projects in Hà Nội and Ho Chi Minh City, with a view to building a modern railway industry ecosystem. He proposed the establishment of a joint working group on railway cooperation.

In response, Oleg Belozyorov affirmed that Russian Railways is ready to expand collaboration with Việt Nam by sharing advanced technologies and supporting workforce training. He pledged that the company would work closely with Vietnamese partners to implement concrete initiatives, further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.