The state-owned RailTel Corporation is exploring international business opportunities and evaluating infrastructure projects in Vietnam. The company is focusing on significant projects, typically exceeding Rs 10 billion, to undertake in the Southeast Asian nation.
RailTel was tasked with venturing into international markets nearly a year ago. Their efforts are aimed at securing business opportunities abroad. During the previous year, they visited Vietnam as part of the Namaste Vietnam initiative, where they presented their capabilities to Vietnamese authorities.
RailTel participated in a railway conference alongside private rail industry partners during the visit. They also engaged with urban transportation and railway authorities in Vietnam. Discussions are ongoing between RailTel and embassy officials as well as local government authorities in Vietnam.
"We were briefed on their infrastructure modernization plans for 2030 and 2050," the official stated, noting the country's interest in upgrading its infrastructure and securing funding. Concerning project financing, the official mentioned that government-to-government discussions could facilitate funding.
Typically, countries anticipate end-to-end funding for such projects under government-to-government financing. Initially, a project is conceptualised, its costs are determined, and then a proposal is forwarded to the government.
