The 42^nd ASEAN Railways CEOs’ Conference themed ‘Recovery and Development’ officially opened at the Grand Tourane Hotel located at 252 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Da Nang.

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 Viet Nam, and others.

Also, it was attended by Vice Chairman of the Commission for the Management of the State Capital at Enterprises Nguyen Ngoc Canh, Viet Nam 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 railway transportation sector of ASEA in general and all member countries in particular.

Viet Nam Railways’ General Director Dang Sy Manh delivering an opening speech at the event

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 railway 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 passenger 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 railway sector of each country, hereby significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of each country and the region.

The 42^nd ASEAN Railways CEOs’ Conference was due to take place in Viet Nam 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 5^th time that the Viet Nam Railway Corporation has hosted this important event.

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 give 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.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Le Quang Nam (second, right) receiving a souvenir from the organizers. Photo: THANH LAN

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 as a whole.

After the opening ceremony was the plenary session. During the conference, chairman, vice chairmen 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 2 working groups will pay attention to sharing experience in railway system operation and management, as well as lessons learned from engineering application, new 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 Viet Nam Railways Corporation, along with Hoi An ancient town to learn about the culture, country and people of Viet Nam.

The conference in progress

Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Le Quang Nam (fifth, right) taking a souvenir photo with participating delegates. Photo: THANH LAN

Reporting by THANH LAN - Translating by M.DUNG