On the morning of September 23, 2026, a working session was held at the National Archives Center I between the Center’s leadership and a delegation from Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR). The meeting opened up significant prospects for cooperation in utilizing a rich collection of historical documents to support research and preservation efforts, as well as to “infuse cultural heritage” into heritage railway routes bearing the distinctive imprints of time.
The delegation from Vietnam Railways Corporation was led by Mr. Tran Anh Tuan, Deputy General Director of VNR. The delegation was received by Ms. Nguyen Thu Hoai and Ms. Mai Thi Xuan, Deputy Directors of the National Archives Center I, together with representatives of the Center’s affiliated units.
At the meeting, representatives of the National Archives Center I said that the Center is currently preserving an invaluable collection of documents on the planning and construction of the Indochina railway system, as well as the operation of this transportation network during the French colonial period. These original historical records, including drawings and administrative documents, provide an authentic account of the development of one of Vietnam’s oldest industries.
Mr. Tran Anh Tuan, Deputy General Director of VNR, emphasized that the purpose of this visit and study trip was to learn from the Center’s systematic approach to management and archival preservation. Through this, VNR hopes to identify reliable historical sources to support research into the comprehensive development of the railway sector from its inception to the present day.
During the meeting, the two sides held in-depth discussions on solutions for digitizing archival materials, supporting research, and organizing specialized exhibitions on railways in the future. The combination of national archival resources with VNR’s specialized transportation infrastructure is expected to create unique heritage tourism products, allowing passengers not only to travel but also to experience vibrant cultural and historical spaces aboard trains and at historic railway stations.
At the end of the program, the delegation from Vietnam Railways Corporation visited the exhibition area “Nguyen Dynasty Imperial Archives – World Documentary Heritage” and the exhibition area showcasing French-language archival materials, which is currently being completed at the Center. These firsthand experiences will provide a solid foundation for the two organizations to soon implement long-term cooperation plans, bringing archival materials alongside the continuing journey of Vietnam’s heritage railway routes.