USTDA and U.S. DOT Support the Development of China's Railways and Ports

(USTDA) Announce Two Activities to Advance Transportation Development in China

HANGZHOU, CHINA – Today, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Director Leocadia I. Zak joined U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Assistant Secretary Susan Kurland to announce two activities designed to support China's efforts to develop its rail and port sectors. The announcement took place at the 5th U.S.-China Transportation Forum in Hangzhou, in the presence of the Chinese Ministries of Rail and Transportation.

The first activity is a technical workshop focused on heavy haul rail development in China. The workshop will be led by DOT's Federal Railroad Administration, in coordination with the Chinese Ministry of Rail (MOR) and the American Rail Working Group, an organization composed of more than 25 companies. Railway transportation plays a key role in China's economic development. Following the rapid development of its passenger rail network, MOR is now making plans for more heavy haul rail in order to improve cargo shipping efficiency and lower operation costs. The United States has the largest heavy haul railroad network in the world, and experienced U.S. firms have cutting-edge technology and products that can assist China in achieving its transportation goals. The Heavy Haul Rail Technical Workshop will mobilize U.S. expertise and resources to foster greater cooperation among private sector entities, government agencies, and industry representatives in both the United States and China.

The second activity announced is a Green Ports Study Tour that will bring up to 12 delegates from the Chinese Ministry of Transport (MOT), Maritime Safety Administration, and port authority operators to the United States to introduce them to U.S. technology designed to reduce harmful emissions and improve energy efficiency at ports, inland waterways and maritime networks. U.S. firms are highly competitive in environmental technologies that reduce environmental footprints at ports. The Study Tour offers an excellent opportunity to bring together U.S. DOT policy experts, green tech manufacturing companies, and consultancy firms with key Chinese decision makers for the purpose of increasing U.S. exports and assisting China overcome its environmental challenges in the port sector.

"These activities build upon the U.S. Government's broad commitment to promote partnerships with China in the transportation sector," stated Director Zak. "We are pleased to facilitate opportunities for U.S. companies interested in the China market to meet with key Chinese decision-makers, while assisting China to meet its transportation goals."

Earlier this year, USTDA, in cooperation with U.S. DOT and MOT, hosted two additional Study Tours in the transportation sector. In August, the Transportation Safety and Disaster Coordination Study Tour introduced Chinese officials to U.S. technologies for roadways and mass transit systems. Earlier this month, USTDA also hosted Chinese officials on a study tour focused on Maritime Operations and Safety. This visit familiarized Chinese transportation leaders with U.S. best practices and technologies in the areas of maritime transportation operations, safety, and environmental protection.

The Heavy Haul Technical Workshop is expected to take place in early 2013 and is being organized by the National Electrical Manufacturing Association under the USTDA-funded U.S.-China Standards and Conformity Assessment program. Details for both the Workshop and the Study Tour will be provided on USTDA's website at http://www.ustda.gov/news.