Chinese-Vietnamese consortium eyes involvement in urban rail projects in Ho Chi Minh City

The consortium expressed its desire to serve as the EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contractor for these projects, with financial support also under consideration.

According to the submission, CCCC is under the supervision of China’s State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

The company is listed on the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges and ranked 63rd in the 2024 Fortune Global 500, with revenue reaching US$136.7 billion.

CCCC has strong expertise in urban and high-speed rail construction.

In China, the company has executed 188 railway projects totaling 6,800 kilometers, with contract values amounting to $48.89 billion.

It has completed 164 urban rail projects covering 960 kilometers, valued at $55.11 billion.

Currently, CCCC is working on 112 more railway projects across China, with contracts worth nearly $50 billion.

Internationally, CCCC has undertaken 106 railway and metro projects across multiple regions, with total contract values reaching $51.33 billion.

Notable projects include the Hungary–Serbia railway, the Mombasa–Nairobi railway in Kenya, and the East Coast Rail Link in Malaysia.

“We affirm our capacity in terms of experience, finance, personnel, equipment, and technology to take on the role of EPC contractor for Ho Chi Minh City’s urban rail projects.

“We are committed to mobilizing all necessary resources to ensure progress, quality, and investment efficiency if selected,” the consortium stated in its proposal.

Progress of projects

In response, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction provided updates on the current status of related projects.

Metro line No. 2 is undergoing preparatory procedures and is expected to begin construction by the end of 2025.

As for the Thu Thiem–Long Thanh rail link, which will connect Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh international airports, the railway project management board under the Ministry of Construction is studying the project.

The ministry is compiling feedback from various ministries to submit to the Prime Minister for consideration of assigning the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee as the main project authority.

Regarding the metro line No. 1 extension connecting Binh Duong New City and Suoi Tien Coach Station, investment procedures are underway. Previously, the former Binh Duong provincial administration submitted a pre-feasibility report for the project to the Prime Minister and the state appraisal council.

For other urban rail lines, the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways is developing investment plans.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction noted that the 2025 Railway Law introduces special mechanisms and policies to promote railway investment, particularly encouraging private sector participation in rail and urban rail development.

Additionally, Law No. 90/2025 includes provisions exempting certain projects from investment policy approval procedures.

The Department of Construction urged the consortium to carefully review current regulations and coordinate with the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways to understand project implementation details and explore cooperation opportunities.