Tokyo Metro Signs MOU with Hanoi Railway Authority for Assistance

Hanoi, Feb. 18 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Metro Co. signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday with the Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board (MRB) in a step toward providing technical assistance to the Vietnamese capital. The friendship and cooperation agreement is the Japanese subway operator's first overseas expansion. Under the deal, Tokyo Metro will provide railway technologies, engage in personnel exchanges and share relevant information with the MRB. Given the agreement, Tokyo Metro will focus on establishing a local railway operator in the country. In February 2013, the Japan International Cooperation Agency awarded the Hanoi railway system development project to Tokyo Metro and Japan International Consultants for Transportation Co. The contract is worth 300 million yen. In March of the same year, Tokyo Metro opened a local office and sent 10 of its employees there. Based on the agreement, Tokyo Metro will host study tours and training for MRB employees in Tokyo and railway seminars in Hanoi, among other plans. Japan is involved in the construction of two railway lines in Hanoi--Line 1 and 2--while China is taking part in the Line 2A project and France and others are helping to build Line 3. By supporting the establishment of an operating company that will oversee all the lines, Tokyo Metro apparently hopes to pave the way for Japanese companies' future involvement in the country's railway development. END