On 23 and 24 March, the 3rd International Rail Freight Conference was held under the auspices of UIC, OSJD and CIFA (Chinese International Freight Forwarders Association). Organised in Prague, Czech Republic, the conference was attended by some 200 participants from 22 countries across Europe and Asia.
The Conference, focused on the Euro-Asian rail freight business, was officially opened by Mr Ivo Wykydal, Deputy Minister for the Czech Ministry of Transport. Oliver Sellnick, UIC’s top representative for freight, subsequently opened the sessions. During the two days, 35 speakers, railway experts, representatives of railway Cargo companies, project managers and representatives of international organisations such as UIC, OSJD, IBS, CCTT, CIT and UNIFE took it in turn to present.
The conference sessions focused on 7 themes:

• Political and economic aspects;
• General and legislative environment for freight transport;
• Connecting Europe to Asia: international organisations and corridors;
• Key players: railways and forwarders;
• Business on rail;
• Interoperability, information technologies;
• Intermodal transport.

Representing UIC, Oliver Sellnick pointed out the status and prospects of the rail landbridge between Asia and Europe. Sandra Géhénot developed the aspect of assessing the viability of a rail link between Europe and Asia.
An exhibition accompanied the conference. The UIC stand welcomed a large number of visitors.

Speakers’ individual presentations will be available in the following weeks on the Rail Freight Portal at: www.railfreightportal.com