Traffic management, the introduction of new technologies, the development of new vehicles are essential elements for the establishment of a properly standardized and managed transport system leading to improved competitiveness. When we talk about transport, the environmental impact is another aspect that is carefully analysed as an internationally acknowledged and approached problem. Here is where railway transport becomes superior to other transport modes thanks to its well-known characteristics.
Over the past years, the global railway market has increased and positive results are still expected in the years to come. The market evolution will see a EUR 26 billion increase, from EUR 159 billion to EUR 185 billion, mostly determined by Western Europe and Africa/Middle East, while Asia Pacific region will maintain a high growth level too.
A great influence over the development of the railway system, and implicitly, over the industry, is that of the political class which starts, stagnates or cancels projects. Political decisions are the factors that define the transport industry, as well as the sustainable development target, a very important criterion in the strategy of each country. If governments don’t provide the development opportunities that are so necessary, the transport industry will be condemned to an irreversible decline, while, on the other hand, if governments approach problems correctly and timely, with interests focused on major contributions to sustainable development, railway transport will be fundamentally aligned to economic growth.
A political success in favour of rail industry development has been the recent agreement in principle regarding the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Japan. With an increase in the value of exports from EU to the Japanese market estimated at EUR 20 billion, the document is believed to be the most important trade agreement of the EU which also includes, for the first time, a commitment on climate change.
For the European rail industry, this agreement sets the ground for accessing the Japanese market, eliminating the hindrances met by companies while participating in public procurement procedures in the railway sector. Another success for the European railway industry has been the elimination of the Operational Safety Clause, a non-tariff barrier with major impact on European companies. At the same time, this will also encourage the further opening of the EU public procurement market.
The agreement is just a first step forward towards meeting the European industry objectives regarding transparency, non-discriminatory access to Japanese tenders and visibility of operators’ investments.
Editorial by:
Pamela Luica
Chief Editor
Railway PRO
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