Magazines — RZD-Partner International — 1 (5) March-May 2006
1 (5) March-May 2006
"IF IT IS TRANSIT, WE'LL MAKE IT COMPETITIVE": "Russia hosts foreign airplanes, in the future we'll welcome trains (the Finnish "Sibelius" has already been calling) and, consequently, river vessels. We ought not to close, but, on the opposite, we should encourage the boost of transportation volumes", assures Igor Levitin, The RF Minister of Transport.DEPENDENT COAL: Lately Russian coal sector has been considered one of the most stable and fast developing, due to high coal prices on the world markets and investment activity of coal producers. Analysts evaluate coal produce at about 282 million tons in 2005.
TO SAVE RUSSIAN SHIPBUILDING: Russia is one of the leading sea powers in the world, historically in possession of a strong merchant, fishery and military fleet. However, by now it has almost lost its leading positions in the sphere of shipping and shipbuilding.
Market awaits new big subject
OAO RZD
The Russian Programme of the railway structural reform envisages its third stage to unfold in 2006 - 2010, with a view of creating a developed market of railway transportation. OAO RZD listed respective steps to take and submitted the document for approval by the Ministry of Transport and other authoritative bodies in February. In the second quarter of 2006 it will be approved by the RF Government. Major discussions are held about forming an affiliate that would specialize in cargo transportation, as well as about the potential separation of transportation and infrastructure businesses.