Vietnam's National Assembly on Wednesday approved raising the economic growth target for this year and also voted in favour of major infrastructure projects, including the country's first nuclear power plants and a rail link to China.

HANOI: Vietnam's parliament on Wednesday (Feb 19) approved plans for an US$8 billion rail link from its largest northern port city to the border with China, boosting links between the two communist-ruled countries and making trade easier.

The railway project will extend about 390.9km from Lao Cai province, near the Chinese border, to Lach Huyen station in Hai Phong, Vietnam.

Vietnam's National Assembly on Wednesday approved raising the economic growth target for this year and backed major infrastructure projects, including a rail link to China and the construction of the country's first nuclear power plants.