Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong and Hervé Conan, AFD's general director

On May 30, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), Deputy Minister Tran Quoc Phuong and Hervé Conan, general director of the French Development Agency (AFD), signed an agreement for a technical assistance project titled "Investment preparation of Hanoi Metro Line 3 extension project, section Hanoi station - Hoang Mai and supporting the research and construction of an integrated urban transport system for urban railway projects".

The signing ceremony was witnessed by leaders of the Department General of International Partnerships under the European Commission, the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam, the French Embassy, and representatives of numerous ministries and agencies.

The technical assistance is worth €10 million in non-refundable aid, and will fund feasibility studies for an extension to Hanoi Metro Line 3 from Hanoi station to Hoang Mai. It will also support the research and construction of an integrated urban transport system with railway projects.

Phuong, on behalf of the Vietnamese government, expressed his thanks to the EU, the government of France, and AFD for accompanying and supporting Vietnam in implementing its climate commitments and reducing emissions, the energy transition, and improving quality of life.

He said the cooperative relationship would help meet the country's socioeconomic development goals and build Hanoi into a cultured, civilised, and modern city.

“By signing the agreement today, the MPI, in collaboration with ministries and agencies, will carry out projects and use the EU fund in accordance with the goals set forth, and we look forward to close support from the EU and AFD to enhance the effectiveness of funding," Phuong said.

Myriam Ferran, deputy director general of the Department General of International Partnerships under the European Commission, said, "€10 million in non-refundable aid for this project aims to contribute to low-carbon emissions and energy transition in urban transport infrastructure in Hanoi. This matches with the EU's Global Gateway to narrow the gap between global investments, and the EU's commitment to becoming loyal partner of Vietnam in climate action, energy transition, and sustainable development."

Myriam Ferran, deputy director general of the Department General of International Partnerships

Olivier Brochet, French Ambassador to Vietnam, highly appreciated Hanoi's socioeconomic development, but also said this raises numerous challenges such as traffic, pollution, and quality of life. That is why the French government has mobilised funding for the development of transport infrastructure towards a low-carbon economy.

The French government has mobilised funding for the first phase of Hanoi Metro Line 3 (Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station section), which will be put into operation soon.

"Technical assistance for the second phase will be approved soon under the management of AFD. This will develop urban railways in Hanoi, increase multi-modal connectivity, and enhance mobility for people in the capital, while gradually reducing the volume of personal vehicles in inner city areas and cutting air pollution. The common goal is to increase the attractiveness not only of public transport but also of the city itself," the ambassador emphasised.

Duong Duc Tuan, Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee, thanked the partners for their interest and support for Hanoi, and committed to creating favourable conditions during the project implementation process.

"Hanoi will also mobilise maximum resources and support to ensure the project runs on schedule, with high quality and efficiency, contributing to the sustainable development of the capital," Tuan said.