Thailand hosts Small Rail Asia and Transport Infrastructure Asia 2016

BANGKOK, December 1 (TNA) - Thailand hosts the Small Rail Asia and Transport Infrastructure Asia 2016, the largest seminar and exhibition on rail technologies in Southeast Asia, at the Expo Hall of Makkasan Airport Rail Link in Bangkok during December 1–2, in which over 128 rail production companies from 24 countries worldwide participate. Thai Deputy Transport Minister Ormsin Chivapruck on Friday opened this year's event, expected to attract over 3,000 international visitors, an about 30 per cent increase from last year's, thanks to new rail projects in the region, particularly in Thailand. A brainstorming among relevant parties and an analysis on the development of rail standards in Thailand in order to boost the country's competitiveness in transportation and logistics capabilities in the future was set to be included during the two-day event. Meanwhile, David Edkin,Managing Director of Asia Exhibition Services Co.Ltd., said that a recent Smart Rail Asia survey on foreign suppliers showed that Thailand was ranked the most important rail market in Asia, at 92.5 per cent, followed by Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam at 69.75 per cent, 65.3 per cent and 63 per cent respectively. Thailand has announced its new rail infrastructure development projects, totally worth 64 billion US dollars, which are awaited for a final approval and procurement procedures. (TNA)