OREANDA-NEWS. October 23, 2009. RZD President Vladimir Yakunin spoke at the opening of the Days of Czech and Slovak Business Circles in Moscow. “RZD, as one of the world’s largest transport companies, is interested in the future development of Russia’s bilateral trade relations with the Czech Republic and Slovakia”, RZD President Vladimir Yakunin said in a speech at the Russian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, at the launch of the Days of Czech and Slovak Business Circles in Moscow, reported the press-centre of RZD.

Vladimir Yakunin noted that international partners have already taken specific joint steps by signing an agreement to extend the 1520-mm-gauge rail line through Slovakia to Austria. “Today, we are actively cooperating with all countries of Europe and Asia. And the realization of the transit potential of the countries participating in this project will provide a huge economic effect”, the RZD president said.

RZD’s business links with Czech and Slovak companies is not restricted to the project to extend the broad-gauge track, Vladimir Yakunin said. In particular, RZD and Tatravagonka are planning a new line of rolling stock: articulated flat wagons to carry large freight containers. This could involve the creation of a joint venture to produce the wagons in Russia. Also, Transcontainer (a subsidiary of RZD) and the Slovak company ZSSK Cargo have signed an agreement on long-term leasing of the existing freight terminal in Dobra. Vladimir Yakunin expressed confidence that this agreement will help strengthen long-term cooperation between participant states in Pan-European Transport Corridor V.