Let me greet the participants, guests, and organizers of II International Conference “Railway Engineering. Perspectives, Technologies, Priorities” on behalf of Open Joint-Stock Company "Russian Railways" Board.

The purpose of this international forum is deepening of efficient dialogue between manufacturers and consumers of railway, road machinery and equipment. This Conference is a ground for discussion of the most actual issues of railway engineering development and for exchanging of opinions on functioning of this very important industry.

Now like never before it is extremely important for us to get an answer to the question – what's next? Bearing in mind the rates of development of railroad industry in whole we expect qualitative contribution in the industry from machine-builders.

The strategic task is to satisfy needs of Russian railway enterprises for rolling stock of new generation and this task is very urgent. Without solving it, it will not be possible to eliminate structural growth limitations in the transportation sphere. In turn this is a part of context of one of the global all-nation's tasks of contemporary stage of economic development of Russia – the task of doubling of GDP in the next ten years.

Looking back on results of last year's Conference, I would like to express my confidence that this forum will also give its participants great opportunities for exchanging of the information and experience, for strengthening of business cooperation and conclusion of mutually profitable contracts. All this in the final count will make its important contribution into development of railway industry of Russia and of all countries of “area 1520”.

I wish the participants, guests, and organizers of II International Conference “Railway Engineering. Perspectives, Technologies, Priorities” successful and fruitful work, solution of priority problems in the transportation sphere and achievement of the targets set.

President of Open Joint-Stock Company "Russian Railways"  V.I. Yakunin