It is necessary to have a breakthrough, innovative, strategic, modern and effective mindset, methodology and approach in accordance with the spirit of Resolution 49-NQ/TW in researching and implementing the North-South high-speed railway project. This is the direction of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the meeting of the Government Standing Committee on the investment policy of the North-South high-speed railway held on the morning of July 11 at the Government Headquarters.

After listening to the reports and conclusions of the meeting from the leaders of relevant ministries, branches and units, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh It is clear that, in terms of political basis, we have Resolution 49-NQ/TW dated February 28, 2023 of the Politburo on the orientation of developing Vietnam's railway transport to 2030, with a vision to 2045; in terms of legal basis, there is Resolution No. 103/2023/QH15 dated November 9, 2023 of the National Assembly on the socio-economic development plan for 2024; in terms of practical basis, Vietnam's transportation demand is very large, the country stretches from north to south, while the transport infrastructure is not yet developed, logistics costs are still high, about 17-18% compared to the world's current level of about 10-11%, making the cost of goods high, and competitiveness limited. Therefore, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to develop logistics comprehensively, choosing optimal options, including the high-speed railway option.

Regarding viewpoints and principles: thinking, methodology and approach need to be breakthrough, innovative, strategic visionary, modern and effective in accordance with the spirit of Resolution 49-NQ/TW. Regarding goals and requirements: The Prime Minister requested to complete the 1,541km high-speed railway length through 20 provinces and cities; the construction time is expected to be 10 years, to be completed by 2035. From there, for solutions, research on route directions to ensure the most convenient and shortest route, to be able to "cross rivers by building bridges, dig tunnels over mountains, and build foundations over fields".

Regarding speed, the authorities are all leaning towards 350km/h following the current world trend. Regarding scope and transportation: The Prime Minister pointed out that we have all types of north-south transport, including national highway 1, the north-south expressway, and the Ho Chi Minh road; existing air, sea, and rail routes; therefore, we must take advantage of all methods to complement each other.

The issue of choosing the type of transport is to focus more on passenger transport, besides, due to the need for dual use, it is necessary to combine economic purposes with national defense and security, so it is necessary to consider freight transport, along with upgrading the existing railway line to focus on freight transport; implementing the planning for the development of maritime transport to support rail, road and air transport, thereby making the right choice. Regarding the total investment of the project, estimated at 67 billion USD, the Prime Minister suggested that the competent authorities need to calculate whether it is reasonable or not? It is necessary to compare with the total investment in railways of China and other countries with similar speed and scale.

Regarding capital mobilization methods, the Prime Minister stated that we must diversify capital sources: central capital, local capital, loan capital, bond issuance capital, enterprise capital, etc. to be able to do it; the process needs to refer to lessons learned in the construction of the Quang Trach-Pho Noi 500kV Line; when implementing this project, it is necessary to promote the role and responsibility of localities; take into account the ability to recover capital, the efficiency of specialized sectors, and the overall efficiency, transportation, logistics, etc., from which there are mechanisms and policies to mobilize capital sources, interest rates, loans, and bond issuance. What is under the authority of the Government, the Government will take the initiative, and only submit those that exceed its authority.

The Prime Minister requested to ensure smart, modern management, digital management and reduce human management. Human resource training is essential in conjunction with the development of the railway industry, there must be appropriate steps and roadmaps; technology must be transferred; the railway industry must be formed, and the railway ecosystem must be planned. The Prime Minister requested the agencies to supplement, clarify, and make the project convincing, and submit it to the competent authority according to the Resolution of the National Assembly. The Prime Minister also noted the priority of investing in the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway line. Based on this meeting, the Prime Minister requested relevant ministries, branches, and agencies to continue to complete, absorb the opinions of delegates, complete the project dossier along with accompanying documents; complete the report, then have a submission, from which there will be a draft Resolution. This process must closely follow the spirit of Resolution 49-NQ/TW.

The Prime Minister noted the spirit of openness, listening to the opinions of scientists; doing a good job of communication; the Government Office actively and closely coordinating with ministries and branches for quick implementation.