Now considered to be the fastest growing region in the global economy, Southeast Asia emerging nations have attracted worldwide attention. It is estimated that by 2020, ASEAN is expected to become the fifth largest economy in the world.

The event is going to focus on the China initiative of the “Belt and Road” Interconnection, Innovation and Collaboration programmes that are being set up and developed in Southeast Asia, and where international cooperation is due to take place, especially with Asian and European major players in the railway industry.

At the initiative of the “Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025” and “The Belt and Road Initiative”programmes, the rail transit infrastructure continues to rapidly develop in Southeast Asia.

Several projects of strategic importance are taking off in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, as well as in the rest of ASEAN (especially also in the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, etc.).

At the same time, China will also seek international cooperation in funding and technology in the rail transit market with ASEAN countries.

During the summit, more than 300 experts and decision makers from ASEAN and the rest of the world, including global rail industry government agencies, design units, operators and industry suppliers, will come together to discuss the development of the ASEAN rail transit industry, its opportunities and its financial considerations, its technological innovation, its operation management and many other topics.

UIC will present a paper on interoperability and intermodality of future rail transit systems in ASEAN and the pro-active role that it can bring in terms of standards, innovation and support to its local current and future members.