Following two successful editions in Delhi (2007) and Saint-Petersburg (2010), the 3rd Global Rail Freight Conference (GRFC) is scheduled to be held in Morocco, Tangier, from 17 – 19 October 2012. The main theme of this leading international event dedicated to freight transport by rail is “Rail freight – what role does it play in the evolution of global logistics systems?”

This major event in the 2012 UIC calendar is being jointly prepared by Moroccan Railways (ONCF) and UIC (Freight Department, Security Division and Communications Department). ONCF’s organisational partners are the Freight and Logistics Department, the Department for Strategy, International Cooperation as well as the Communications Department. A meeting of the joint ONCF/UIC Organising Committee was held on 14 March at ONCF Headquarters in Rabat.

This world conference is being prepared under the high patronage of the Moroccan authorities. Participants at this event in Tangier will include decision-makers from national and international authorities, international organisations and financial institutions as well as high-level representatives from rail freight, logistics and intermodal companies, ports, industry partners, business and trade, etc.

The various round tables and sessions of the 3rd GRFC will address, among others, the following topics: the current trends and evolutions of the global logistics systems and the contribution of rail freight, the role of the Mediterranean region as a hub for international logistic services, perspectives connected with the development of intercontinental rail freight corridors, new technologies in the handling of rail freight and intermodal transport, security issues, etc.

The 3rd Global Rail Freight Conference will also provide an opportunity for exhibitors to present their latest achievements to participants. A technical visit will also be proposed to the conference participants.

More detailed information will be available very soon on the GRFC webpage and through flyers and promotion material.