Rail Technology Research and Development Agency (RTRDA) and CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Company Limited Sign MOU to Cooperation in the Empowering Innovation and Talent Development in the Rail Transport Sector.
On November 2, 2023, Mr. Chotichai Charoen-ngam, Chairman of Rail Technology Research and Development Agency (RTRDA), served as chairman and witness alongside Mr. Liu Changqing, General Manager of CRRC Changchun Company, at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Empowering Innovation and Talent Development in the Rail Transport Sector to drive research, railway technology transfer, and promote the railway industry in Thailand. The signing took place at the Conrad Bangkok Hotel, with Mr. Santi Charoenpornpatana, President of RTRDA, and Mr. Sha Miao, Deputy General Manager of CRRC Changchun Company, signing the Memorandum of Understanding.
Mr. Santi Charoenpornpatthana, the president of RTRDA, spoke about the significant goals of the RTRDA established by the Ministry of Transport. The institute aims to integrate expertise from stakeholders and those involved in the rail system to enhance Thailand's rail capacity in both passenger and freight transport. It also aims to promote investment in the domestic rail industry to support economic development, transportation, tourism, and international connectivity. As a research and development agency under the Ministry of Transport's supervision, RTRDA plays a pivotal role in developing technology suitable for the Thai context and aligned with the Ministry's policies and strategies. The collaboration with CRRC is a crucial step in establishing a technology-focused partnership aimed at innovation, smart technology,
and rail industry support, leading to concrete collaboration, including:
1. Transfer and exchange of technical knowledge and other related information.
2. Research and development of railway technology.
3. Cooperation in railway technology research.
4. Development of rail system standards and testing systems.
Mr. Chotichai Charoen-ngam, Chairman of RTRDA, highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Thailand's railway system and CRRC Changchun Company. This partnership has been instrumental in advancing Thailand's railway system and connecting routes between Thailand and China, as well as links to Europe and South Africa. Emphasis is placed on making seamless transportation of passengers and goods between the two countries possible. The signing of this cooperation is expected to benefit the industrial development of both nations, fostering borderless transportation.
Mr. Liu Changqing, the General Manager of CRRC Changchun, stated that CRRC Changchun is the largest subsidiary under CRRC Corporation Limited. Its main mission is research, development, production, equipment maintenance services, and systems for monitoring and evaluating passenger rail transport. It also emphasizes the future energy sources to be used. In Thailand, CRRC Changchun Company has been involved in numerous projects and believes that past joint projects have contributed to the development of rail transportation in Thailand. Besides business endeavors, CRRC Changchun has actively participated in developing expertise for students and individuals involved in Thailand's railway system through technology transfer programs organized by partner universities and related agencies. Therefore, we sincerely hope that this memorandum of cooperation will benefit the railway industry's development in both countries and enhance the rail transportation system's future.
The Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Empowering Innovation and Talent Development in the Rail Transport Sector, a strong relationship is formed to promote the development of Thailand's rail industry. This will meet the needs of the country's rail system development, enhance its competitiveness, and elevate Thailand's role as the center of the ASEAN Economic Community. The goal is to develop a stable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly railway system in Thailand."