The 42nd ASEAN Railway CEOs’ Conference, annual rotating event among eight South East Asian Nations, was hosted in Vietnam by Vietnam National Railways, on 22 – 25 August 2022.
The first event following the pandemic was devoted by VNR to “Recovery and Development” in keeping with ASEAN’s “One Vision, One Identity, One Community” theme. The North-South High Speed Rail Project is just one of Vietnam’s ambitious plans to modernise and construct new rail lines. The Master Plan for Railway Network Development 2021-2030 and the Master Plan for Railway Objectives and Goals 2031-2050 have each been approved by the Prime Minister’s Office.
After a two-year break, the event provided a fresh opportunity for members to collaborate, share experiences, and map out regional recovery strategies following the COVID crisis. It also provided a platform for them to recommit to building sustainable railroads for the benefit of the entire ASEAN region (for both passenger and freight operations).
The ASEAN railway community was able to come together for two days of plenary and working group meetings (split into three, as usual: CEOs, Marketing & Operations, and Technical), as well as additional cultural and technical trips, pleasant and memorable dinners.
