Computer-generated image of the new trains to be run on the Sydney Metro West project in NSW, Australia. Photo: Courtesy of MTR

The awarding of a contract by the government of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, to a Chinese mass transit system specialist firm, which involves a multi-year partnership and the supply of advanced driverless trains, will be conducive to local prosperity and local people's wellbeing, highlighting the high complementarity of the two economies, a Chinese expert said on Tuesday.

A Chinese consortium led by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's MTR Corp (MTR) has secured a major contract to supply, operate and maintain trains for the new Sydney Metro West project in NSW, according to a press release that the MTR sent to the Global Times on Tuesday.

The deal was announced by the MTR on Monday.

The contract was given to Metro Trains West Consortium, a joint venture between the MTR and a subsidiary of Chinese bullet trainmaker CRRC Corp (CRRC).

The contract will see the consortium provide next-generation metro trains and associated systems, including next-generation driverless metro trains, as well as the commissioning and operation of the line connecting Sydney's major commercial and residential hub in the west, Parramatta, and the city center.

"After a long-standing commitment to the Australian railway development with iconic rolling stock such as High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMT) in Melbourne and the Sydney Growth Train Project, CRRC is thrilled to have been selected as part of a consortium for the Sydney Metro West line, a landmark project that will shape the city for years to come," Wang Feng, vice-president of CRRC Corp, was quoted as saying in the MTR press release.

"The system to be delivered will build on the technological advancement and expertise CRRC has demonstrated in providing world-leading driverless metro systems across China and abroad," said Wang.

Chen Hong, director of the Australian Studies Centre of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the project is a great example of the practical cooperation between Chinese and Australian companies, as it brings together the manufacturing excellence of CRRC and the operational expertise of the MTR that will result in convenience to the citizens of Sydney.

According to the local news outlet Daily Telegraph, the contract awarded to the MTR-CRRC consortium is valued at A$3.96 billion ($2.66 billion) over a 22-year period and involves the procurement of a fleet of 16 new metro trains as well as operating and maintaining the network for 15 years.

According to the MTR, the 24-kilometer underground metro railway line is targeted to commence service in 2032 with nine new stations.

The project is a major infrastructure investment by the Australian government aimed at spurring local economic growth and improving the quality of life of citizens. Notably, the project will include a fleet of advanced driverless metro trains, ensuring that high-quality service will be provided in the years to come, Chen said, predicting more such beneficial projects will take shape in other Australian cities.

As the project was announced amid certain noise from some Western governments and media outlets to smear Chinese-made public transport vehicles by hyping unfounded security concerns, Chen said that the deal is valuable as it highlights the scientific and rational approach of the Australian side.

In recent years, MTR Corp has been actively exploring new development opportunities in the Chinese mainland and overseas markets. 

In 2019, it began operating the Sydney Metro Northwest Line through its subsidiary Metro Trains Sydney and has achieved a high passenger satisfaction rate, the company said.

The two countries have seen deepening trade, economic and investment cooperation in recent years as ties emerged from their low point and achieved a turnaround.

During the 5th China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue held via video link in December, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said that China is Australia's largest trading partner. The two economies are highly complementary, and a strong and stable investment and trade relationship would bring tangible benefits to both sides. Australia hopes to deepen economic engagement with China through mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, the official said.