Vladimir Yakunin, President RZD

Ladies and gentlemen,

Russia is such a vast country that the railway industry is by definition a key factor not only in the transport system but in the entire economy. We have a great interest in the strategic development of international transport, and therefore Russian Railways, which plays the role of a landbridge on the main East-West and North-South routes, regards its hosting of the 2nd UIC Global Rail Freight Conference as an important mission and an honour.

This conference, which is one of the most significant events in the world of international rail freight transportation in 2010, is devoted to the prospects for expanding the international transport business throughout the world, and to finding the optimal ways of overcoming the global financial and economic crisis and also existing barriers to the further development of international rail freight. The objectives which have been set are completely in line with the aims of the International Union of Railways, a unique organisation which has about 200 members from all continents and which represents the interests of rail transport at a global level.

As President of Russian Railways, I shall be pleased to invite senior executives and experts from International organisations, governement bodies, railways, consignors and logistics companies - all who are concerned with the development of rail transport - to take part in the 2nd UIC Global Conference from 6 to 7 July 2010 in St Petersburg.

Vladimir Yakunin

President of Russian Railways JSC