Int’l rail freight association holds conference in Istanbul to tackle challenges

ISTANBUL, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) — A conference held by the International Rail Freight Business Association (IBS), gathering industry leaders from around 60 companies representing 16 European countries, concluded here on Friday, aiming to address challenges and explore opportunities for further cooperation.
The meeting focused on expanding the international rail network connecting Türkiye, the Western Balkan countries, and the rest of Europe, highlighted the urgent need to improve railway infrastructure in the Western Balkans, and addressed the challenges of coordinating international rail transport, the IBS said.
Türkiye’s strategic importance as a hub for European railway operators was also emphasized at the meeting.
It also touched on attracting China’s investment in the rail freight and electric vehicle sectors in Türkiye and the Western Balkan countries.
The IBS was founded in 1996 as an organization of rail forwarding companies. Its main office is located in Germany’s capital Berlin. ■