170 delegates attend the 42nd ASEAN Railways CEOs' Conference in Da Nang

[ASEAN NOW News]

The 42nd ASEAN Railways CEOs’ Conference themed ‘Recovery and Development’ officially opened at the Grand Tourane Hotel in Da Nang reported Da Nang Today.

 

ASEAN Railways CEOs at the event

 

The event saw the participation of 170 delegates and observers from eight ASEAN member nations, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, and others.

 

Also, it was attended by Vice Chairman of the Commission for the Management of the State Capital at Enterprises Nguyen Ngoc Canh, Vietnam Railways’ General Director Dang Sy Manh, and Da Nang People's Committee Vice Chairman Le Quang Nam.

 

Delivering an opening speech at the conference, General Director Dang Sy Manh underlined the importance of the conference in promoting the development of the railway transportation sector of ASEAN in general and all member countries.

 

He said that he himself liked the proverb ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together’ very much.

 

He added the circumstances and conditions of railways in each country may be different, but all aim for the development of railways, and the integration and connectivity of logistics and trade services.

 

He remarked, over the past two years, the railway has played a crucial role in transporting passengers and freight through epidemic-hit centres.

 

He hoped that ASEAN member nations will work together for sake of the success of the conference, and the development of the railway sector of each country, thereby significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of each country and the region.

 

The 42nd ASEAN Railways CEOs’ Conference was due to take place in Vietnam in 2020, but it was postponed two times due to a Covid-19 outbreak.

 

This year’s event is taking place in Da Nang from August 23 - 25. This is the 5th time that the Vietnam Railway Corporation has hosted this important event.

 

The conference in progress

 

The annual conference is alternately organized by railways of ASEAN member countries.

 

It provides an opportunity for general directors, managers, and operators of ASEAN railways to discuss and exchange development experiences and ways to effectively exploit the railway in the region.

 

It also gives a chance for international organizations, countries with developed railways in the region, and the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of railway technology and equipment to update information on railway development in the ASEAN region, seek cooperation opportunities and introduce the latest products and technologies in the railway sector.

 

According to Vice Chairman of the Commission for Management of State Capital at Enterprises Nguyen Ngoc Canh, the conference is an opportunity for railways of ASEAN member countries and related partners to share experiences to manage and operate enterprises in an effective and sustainable manner.

 

This will contribute to driving the socio-economic development and the prosperity of each country, and the ASEAN community.

 

After the opening ceremony was the plenary session.

 

During the conference, chairperson, vice chairpersons and the secretariat will be selected.

 

The conference will be divided into 3 working groups: CEOs, Marketing & Operations, and Technical.

 

Accordingly, the group of CEOs will focus on discussing issues of mutual concern such as railway network development plans and railway development strategies in member countries.

 

The remaining two working groups will pay attention to sharing experience in railway system operation and management, as well as lessons learned from engineering application, modern technology, marketing strategies, and how to operate efficiently to adapt to the new normal.

 

In addition to the meeting agenda, the delegates will visit the Da Nang Railway Station to learn about the actual operation of the Vietnam Railways Corporation, along with Hoi An ancient town to learn about the culture, country, and people of Vietnam.