News
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on container transport by rail on the Trans-Siberian Railway (TSR) between Japan and Russia/Europe. The agreement was reached with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) of Russia, Russian Railways and the Trans-Siberian Intermodal Operators’ Association of Japan (TSIOAJ).
The MOU suggests that high-quality services be developed to promote the use of the TSR, and that efforts be made to enhance infrastructure development. It is also advised that cargo-handling procedures at ports, harbors and other locations be improved, while the introduction of competitive freight rates is also recommended. The contract also insisted that views be exchanged to come up with methods to fix items inside containers. Improvements are needed on railway transport services by implementing uniform standards, such as those for ensuring safety, and taking other actions. Custom-clearance formalities also need rationalizing by promoting the use of an electronic advance custom declaration system and making other relevant efforts. It is proposed that information be dispatched more extensively on the TSR, while joint marketing activities are encouraged.
