At the beginning of 2026, China Vietnam rail transit cooperation will add another heavyweight achievement - CRRC Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co., Ltd. has successfully signed a vehicle procurement contract with Vietnam Sun Group, which will tailor 14 customized light rail trains for the first phase of the Phu Quoc Island urban light rail project in Vietnam. This cooperation is not only a key breakthrough for CRRC to expand its Southeast Asian market, but also shoulders the important mission of ensuring smooth transportation for the 2027 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. A series of light rail trains that integrate Chinese technology and island characteristics will soon become the "summit artery" connecting Fuguo Island Airport, exhibition center, and core scenic areas.

Empowering customized island technology

As a well-known tourist island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island combines tropical marine climate and high-density passenger flow characteristics, which puts strict requirements on the adaptability of light rail trains. Based on years of experience in the research and development of rail transit equipment, CRRC Dalian has launched a targeted "island exclusive solution" to achieve dual breakthroughs in technology advancement and scene adaptation for trains.

To meet the sightseeing needs of tourists, the train adopts a large-size observation window design, optimizing the glass tilt angle and field of view, allowing passengers to enjoy the coconut groves, beaches, and blue sea views of the island while traveling; Considering the luggage carrying needs for tourism travel, the carriage is equipped with a large-sized luggage rack with adjustable height, while reserving a dedicated wheelchair area and maternal and child care space, balancing practicality and humanistic care. In response to the corrosive environment of high humidity and high salt spray on islands, the train body is made of aluminum alloy material with excellent corrosion resistance, and key components are designed with sealed protection. Through rigorous salt spray tests and environmental simulation tests, the train maintains stable performance during long-term operation, greatly reducing operation and maintenance costs.

Showcasing China's intelligent manufacturing hard power

The hosting of the APEC 2027 summit has put forward extremely high requirements for the delivery time and engineering quality of light rail projects. According to the contract, the first batch of trains must arrive at Fuguo Island as scheduled before January 2027 to ensure sufficient time for debugging and trial operation, and to provide "escort" for the transportation guarantee of the summit. This tight delivery cycle has become a key test of CRRC Dalian's production organization and performance capabilities.

Faced with challenges, CRRC Dalian quickly formed a special project team, integrated resources from the entire chain including research and development, production, and supply chain, and formulated a tough plan of "parallel promotion and node control". Through the efficient operation of digital production lines and the application of modular assembly technology, the production cycle is significantly shortened; At the same time, we will coordinate with the Vietnamese side in advance regarding customs, logistics, and other aspects, plan the optimal transportation route, and ensure that the train can smoothly arrive at the construction site on Fuguo Island after departing from Dalian Port. The relevant person in charge of CRRC Dalian stated that with rich experience accumulated in the field of rail transit equipment and a sound performance guarantee system, they are confident in completing delivery tasks on time and with high quality, and using China's intelligent manufacturing hard power to assist Vietnam in hosting the APEC summit.

Sun Group highly recognizes the comprehensive capabilities of CRRC Dalian: "CRRC's technical solutions not only meet the functional requirements of the project, but also its mature experience in vehicle lifecycle operation and maintenance support is an important reason for us to choose cooperation." This cooperation also lays a solid foundation for the deep cooperation between the two parties in more infrastructure and rail transit projects in the future, and is expected to promote the wider landing of CRRC's technology and products in the Southeast Asian market.

TOD mode activates new momentum for island development

The value of the first phase of the Fuguo Island light rail project lies not only in providing short-term transportation support for the APEC summit, but also in its deep empowerment for the long-term development of the region. The route is centered around "transportation led development" and adopts a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) model, seamlessly connecting the Fuguo Island International Airport, APEC Convention and Exhibition Center, and the core tourism, vacation, and entertainment area in the southern part of the island, building a golden transportation corridor of "airport exhibition scenic area".

With the completion and operation of light rail, the value of land along the line will be significantly increased, driving the agglomeration and development of related industries such as commerce, culture and tourism, and residential areas, and cultivating new economic growth poles. The franchise period of the project can reach up to 40 years. During long-term operation, it can not only provide convenient public transportation services for local people, but also create a large number of job opportunities and promote the sustainable development of regional economy and society. In addition, the implementation of the light rail project will also improve the transportation infrastructure network of Fuguo Island, enhance the island's tourism reception capacity and internationalization level, and help it become a well-known tourism and vacation destination in Southeast Asia.

From the technological innovation of customized trains to the efficient fulfillment of summit guarantees, from the deep cooperation between Chinese and Vietnamese enterprises to the long-term empowerment of regional development, CRRC Dalian's acquisition of the Phu Quoc Island light rail train contract in Vietnam is another wonderful practice of China's rail transit equipment "going global". In 2027, when guests of the APEC summit take the light rail train manufactured by CRRC to shuttle between the beautiful scenery of Phu Quoc Island, this "mobile business card" full of technology and sincerity will not only witness the deep friendship between China and Vietnam, but also showcase to the world the outstanding strength of China's intelligent manufacturing and the infinite possibilities of urban development empowered by rail transit.Editor/Bian Wenjun