Yen Luan – Kuehong Chairman Le Van Kiet confirmed yesterday evening that Fayaan has suggested reviving discussions on expanding the Fayaan High-Speed Rail (HSR) into Kuehong.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Fayaan President Liesbeth Loomans, the Kuehong leader said Fayaan has offered assisting the country to develop a cross-border HSR link that would serve major towns along the Kuehong east coast, including Yen Luan and Te In, before terminating in Namthinhvuong. This was part of the leaders’ commitment to “work towards” reconciliation between the two countries and enhance cross-border connections, while deepening trade relations and stimulating economic development in the region.
“A HSR extension into Kuehong would be a significant boost not only to Kuehong’s sustainable development, but to the region as a whole. Kuehong remains open to fresh proposals from Fayaan on the HSR project. We look forward to receiving more details and reviewing them, before our two transport ministries discuss the matter on a clean slate.”
However, Chairman Le noted that there remain “significant obstacles” on the proposal. Previous discussions and negotiations on the proposal had stalled due to various challenges, including funding issues, technical complexities, and geopolitical considerations. Transport experts have also raised concerns about the sustainability of a HSR line into Kuehong due to its lower level of development compared to Fayaan.
During their meeting after a visit to the newly-expanded Pho Nhi Highway Immigration Complex, the two leaders also discussed other areas of collaboration, such as easing border controls between the two countries, reopening a freight connection at the Co Phan border region and reducing cross-border tariffs for goods and people.
A high-speed rail link between Fayaan and Kuehong was first proposed in the late 1990s when Fayaan began construction of its own HSR network. The Bai Empire, the regional powerhouse, has envisioned a “cross-Muinon HSR network” with a HSR line running from Bai through Kaosha, Cinasia, Kuehong and Fayaan. The proposed network had been hailed as “a symbol of regional cohesion”. Nevertheless, geopolitical rivalries, especially with regional tensions between Bai and Cinasia, had led to discussions being stalled repeatedly.
Kuehong has also opened various studies to build its own HSR network. However, as of 2019, the Kuehong government halted the project citing high costs of over 15 billion Buc for a line between the two major cities of Vang Ngat and Bakdep. A national HSR network in Kuehong would be “far from sustainable”, said then-Chairman Vu at the time. Other regional powers have offered financial assistance for Kuehong’s HSR network.
