Thailand: Rail Sector Modernization Reverse Trade Mission
UPDATE
The dates for this RTM have now been finalized. The RTM will begin on June 17th 2012
and end on June 27th 2012. There will be a Business Briefing on June 25th 2012
at the OMNI Downtown Chicago (676 North Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611).
The final delegation list can be found below. Please check back here for further updates.
Introduction
On behalf of the U.S. Trade and Development
Agency (USTDA), TERA International Group is organizing a Reverse Trade Mission
(RTM) for representatives from Thailand’s rail sector. The RTM will familiarize
the delegation with leading U.S. rail technologies, while providing an introduction
to commercial and operational best practices and the U.S. regulatory framework.
It was originally scheduled to take place from October 30-November 9, 2011, and
will include stops in Washington, DC; Erie and Grove City, Pennsylvania; Muncie
and Lafayette, Indiana; and Chicago, Illinois. During the visit, the delegation
will meet with U.S. providers of equipment and services, railway operators, and
government and industry organizations. The group will also visit intermodal terminals
and locomotive maintenance facilities. U.S. companies and organizations in the rail
industry are invited to participate in this RTM by hosting a meeting with the delegation,
site visit or tour of your facility, and/or attend the Business Briefing which will
be held in Chicago.
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Background
Thailand’s railway network dates to 1890, yet its development has consistently lagged
behind in terms of investment when compared to other modes of transportation. Currently,
rail accounts for only 2 percent of passenger and freight transport, and the system
is plagued by outdated signaling and telecommunications systems, locomotives and
other rolling stock that have reached the end of their economic lifespan, and a
growing backlog of deferred maintenance of track and other infrastructure. The government
recently set in motion a strategy to modernize the rail sector as part of a national
policy to improve the overall transportation sector; this strategy includes a policy
to shift a significant amount of traffic from the roads to the rail network in order
to reduce petroleum dependence and alleviate highway congestion. In late 2009, the
government approved a budget of $5.4 billion to modernize the sector, which includes
approximately $500 million to the State Railway of Thailand for new and refurbished
locomotives and other rolling stock. In addition, the government is also concerned
about safety, as Thailand averages about 100-200 railway accidents per year. As
a result, the railway has recently conducted a pilot project to improve signaling
at level crossings, and the government has included funding to improve signaling
throughout the network. This RTM represents opportunities for U.S. companies
to participate in significant business growth in the Thai rail sector.
The delegation is especially interested in visiting with:
- Rail administration agencies (covering safety, policy and development)
- Rail operators
- Service depots
- Companies involved in signaling and traffic control systems
- Container/intermodal terminals
- Personnel training centers
- Locomotive/wagon/passenger bogies manufacturers and facilities
- Entities involved in the preparation of high speed train projects
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The Delegation
The delegation is comprised of key decision-makers from Thailand, led by the
Deputy Permanent Secretary of Transport. Representatives from the State Railway of Thailand
and other government ministries with responsibility for rail network development
will also participate.
The final delegation is presented below
- Mr. Chamroon Tangpaisalkit, Deputy Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Transport;
- Mr. Chula Sukmanop, Inspector General, Ministry of Transport;
- Miss Pilailak Wichiranon, Chief of International Relations
and Cooperation Group, Ministry of Transport;
- Mr. Warayu Pradipasen, Professional Plan and Policy Analyst,
Ministry of Transport;
- Mr. Ruengdej Mangkorndejsakul, Professional Plan and Policy
Analyst, Office of Transport Traffic Policy and Planning;
- Mr. Chen Tansiri, Deputy Traffic Manager (Operation) Traffic
Management, State Railway of Thailand;
- Mr. Narongrit Sivasaroj, Deputy Chief/Mechanical Engineer,
State Railway of Thailand;
- Mr. Athaphon Kawprasert, Divisional Engineer Permanent Way
Division Civil Engineering Department, State Railway of Thailand;
- Mr. Niti Wityatem, Senior Professional State Enterprise
Analyst State Enterprise Policy Office, Ministry of Finance;
- Mrs. Phavina Assawamaneekul, Senior Professional Plan and
Policy Analyst Infrastructure Project Office, Office of the National
Economic Social Development Bureau;
Also traveling with the delegation:
- Mrs. Rachaneekorn Sriswasdi, Deputy Regional Manager
USTDA Bangkok Office
- Mr. Steve Winkates, Senior Technical Manager
TERA International Group
- Mr. David Burns, Railway Specialist
TERA International Group
- Miss Iulia Gorobet, Executive Assistant
TERA International Group
The Deputy Permanent Secretary of Transport is a senior official under the Ministry of Transport,
which is the primary government entity with responsibility for regulating all modes
of transportation. It is also serves a lead role in the planning of new transportation
sector investments. The State Railway of Thailand is the country’s sole rail operator,
providing passenger and freight services over Thailand’s 2,565 miles of track. OTP
also falls under the Ministry of Transport, and is responsible for policy development
and developing safety and traffic plans. The Ministry of Finance deals with external
financing of infrastructure development projects, serving as the conduit for foreign
assistance from international finance institutions and export credit agencies such
as the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Finally, NESDB is a government planning agency charged
with promoting sustainable economic development across a range of sectors.
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Objectives
The objectives of the RTM are as follows:
- Familiarize the delegation with U.S. capabilities across a broad range of advanced
rail technologies;
- Meet with U.S. providers of equipment and services to gain a better understanding
of their capabilities and to foster future cooperation;
- Meet with rail operators, industry associations and regulatory entities, in order
to gain perspective on methods to improve safety and operational efficiency;
- Provide opportunities for site visits to view locomotive maintenance facilities
and intermodal terminals in operation; and
- Facilitate U.S. company involvement in the early stages of Thailand’s investment
planning so that they will be well-placed to take advantage of future business opportunities.
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Business Briefing
There will be a one-day
Business Briefing at the Omni Downtown
Chicago Hotel (676 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611)
on June 25 2012. The delegation will discuss upcoming projects and their procurement
needs, and will be available to meet privately with registered participants. U.S.
company representatives are encouraged to attend this briefing in order to learn
more about the opportunities in Thailand and to meet with members of the delegation.
The registration fee is $50.00,
which includes the briefing handbook, lunch and opportunity to meet one-on-one with
the delegates. Meeting times are limited and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served
basis.
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Sponsorship Opportunities
Companies and organizations interested in securing a high profile in connection with
the RTM and Business Briefing are encouraged to consider sponsorship. Sponsorship
includes a number of tangible benefits and recognition opportunities which help
companies to raise profile and conduct business with the delegation.
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About USTDA
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency
(USTDA) is an independent U.S. Government foreign assistance agency that is funded
by the U.S. Congress. USTDA helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export
of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies.
USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project planning
activities, pilot projects, and reverse trade missions while creating sustainable
infrastructure and economic growth in partner countries. USTDA provides grant funding
to overseas project sponsors for the planning of projects that support the development
of modern infrastructure and an open trading system. The hallmark of USTDA development
assistance has always involved building partnerships between U.S. companies and
overseas project sponsors to bring proven private sector solutions to developmental
challenges.
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Reverse Trade Mission Contacts
TERA International Group, Inc. is organizing
the RTM on behalf of USTDA. For further information please contact:
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Terms and Conditions
USTDA Nationality Requirements and Privacy Policy: Please note that
participation at and/or sponsorship of an event held in the United States is limited
to U.S. individuals, U.S. firms, or U.S. consultants, each as defined in USTDA’s
Nationality Source and Origin Requirements. Also note that by registering for USTDA
events, your contact information will be provided to USTDA and USTDA may make such
information available to other interested persons upon request. In addition, please
be informed that you will likely receive requests for information related to your
participation in USTDA events and their outcomes via telephone, email, or fax, from
USTDA Evaluations, USTDA program evaluators, and others who share USTDA’s mission.
For more information on USTDA’s Nationality Requirements and Privacy Policy, please
visit USTDA’s website.
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