MTR Corporation and the MTR Academy successfully hosted the “Belt and Road Railway Forum” on 13 September 2024 to explore “How Public Transport Contributes to Building & Connecting Communities”. The Forum brought together nearly 280 government officials, railway professionals, and industry leaders from Belt and Road countries and regions to discuss the core role of railways in sustainable development and the Belt and Road Initiative from different perspectives, including economy, green technology, and innovation.
Dr Rex Auyeung, Chairman of MTR Corporation, highlighted in his welcoming remarks, “Railways are more than just a mode of public transportation; they are the lifelines that boost regional mobility, foster economic growth and enhance quality of life, driving progress and the prosperity of cities. It also stands out as a crucial solution for a low-carbon future.”
Mr Liu Chun-san, Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government, emphasized Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” for the Belt and Road Initiative in his keynote address. He noted, “Hong Kong has an efficient and well-integrated public transport system with railway as its backbone. The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High Speed Rail also strengthens the people-to-people bonds between Hong Kong and the Mainland.”
The Forum featured speakers from various Belt and Road countries sharing insights on topics such as “Green Technology Research in Railway”, “MTR Innovation in Rail Technology”, and the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Rail project. A panel discussion explored “Challenges and Opportunities for Future Rail Transport”. An accompanying exhibition showcased cutting-edge innovation and technology in the railway sector, including big data, smart and robotic technology, and the application of mixed reality.
This event coincides with MTR Corporation’s 45th anniversary of metro service in Hong Kong and aligns with Hong Kong’s Belt and Road Week. By hosting the Forum, MTR aims to foster global railway development, share its expertise, and uphold its mission to “Keep Cities Moving”.
