It is reported that a MoU for wide ranging co-operation in the development of the Kazakh rail sector has been agreed by Mr Askar Mamin Chairman of Kazakh national railway KTZ, Chairman & CEO of Finmeccanica Mr Pier Francesco Guarguaglini and Chief Executive of Italian national operator Mr Ferrovie dello Stato Mauro Moretti.

It was signed in Roma on November 5 in the presence of Mr Silvio Berlusconi Italian Prime Minister and Kazakh President Mr Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Finmeccanica companies are to assist with rail and other projects. Ansaldo STS signed a joint venture agreement with KTZ covering signaling, electrification and the establishment of control centers in Kazakhstan and neighboring countries.

Mr Guarguaglini said “The signing of this agreement represents an important opportunity for the Italian transport industry and rail-associated companies which can offer their technologies and products to countries like Kazakhstan that are heavily involved in major rail projects.”

Other agreements cover helicopter maintenance, upgrading military tanks and the production of gas powered buses.

(Sourced from www.railwaygazette.com)