Vietnam Positions Its Railways for a Central Role in Global Supply Chains

Vietnam’s ambitions for a modern, internationally competitive railway system took centre stage at the 2025 International Exhibition & Conference on Modern Railway Technology and Infrastructure Construction Supply Chain (VRT&CONS 2025) in Hanoi. At the event, government officials, global suppliers and infrastructure specialists underlined the country’s strategy to elevate its rail sector from a largely domestic transport mode to a key logistical artery for regional and global trade. Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport highlighted that the next decade will be critical for reshaping the national network: upgrading ageing infrastructure, expanding multimodal freight hubs and integrating digital systems that can reliably connect Vietnamese industries with international supply routes. These plans reflect Vietnam’s broader economic goal—positioning the country as a high-value manufacturing and logistics hub capable of supporting fast global supply-chain cycles, especially as production shifts across Southeast Asia.

Central to this strategy is an emphasis on deepened international cooperation. At VRT&CONS 2025, Vietnamese authorities engaged with rail-technology providers, investment groups and foreign governments to explore partnerships in rolling-stock supply, electrification, smart-signalling systems and digital transport platforms. Vietnam is particularly focused on harmonising technical standards with neighbouring countries to strengthen cross-border freight flows, especially along the China–Vietnam–ASEAN logistics corridor. Enhanced interoperability would enable faster customs processing, smoother wagon interchange and more predictable freight scheduling—key requirements for industries that depend on just-in-time delivery. Decision-makers also discussed cooperation in training, safety regulation and lifecycle asset management, recognising that modernising rail operations requires not only new infrastructure but also new institutional expertise.

These developments reflect a clear shift: Vietnam is not simply upgrading tracks and stations but actively redesigning the role of railways within its economic architecture. As global supply chains diversify, companies increasingly look for transport networks that are resilient, efficient and capable of handling high-volume freight with low carbon intensity. Vietnam sees rail as a strategic answer to these trends. Plans include building high-capacity freight routes linking industrial zones with ports, deploying digital monitoring systems to reduce delays and expanding inland container depots that can function as logistics hubs. When fully implemented, these enhancements could significantly boost throughput, reduce logistics costs and strengthen Vietnam’s competitiveness against other fast-growing economies in Asia. VRT&CONS 2025 thus served not only as a showcase of technology but also as a statement of intent: Vietnam is preparing its railway system to meet the demands of a globalised economy—and to emerge as a central player in the supply chains that shape its future.