The Ministry of Railways announced yesterday that it had found five
overseas firms to invest in 18 railway container-distribution
centers in China, representing a major step forward for the
financial reform of the country's railway sector.
The ministry also announced the formation of China United
International Rail Container Co Ltd, which is to build and operate
the 18 centers. The centers will be located in regional economic
centers throughout the country.
China Railway Container Transport Corp Ltd, an affiliate of the
ministry, will be the biggest shareholder in the new firm, with a
34 percent stake. China International Marine Containers (Group) Co
Ltd will hold 10 percent.
As far as the overseas firms, the Hong Kong-listed NWS Service
Management Ltd will hold a 22 percent stake, while Hong Kong
Promisky Investment Ltd will hold 10 percent.
The Israel-based Zim Integrated Shipping Services Company,
France-based CMA CGM Group and Germany-based Deutsche Bahn AG will
each take 8 percent stakes.
Ministry spokesman Wang Yongping described the establishment of
the joint venture as "a milestone in the history of China's railway
development".
"It also fully reflects our resolve to accelerate the financial
reform of the railway sector," Wang said.
An initial assessment of the plan to build the 18 centers
forecast investments worth at least 12 billion yuan (US$1.60
billion). The company will have US$560 million in registered
capital, or about 35 percent of the total investment.
The ministry said it hoped having overseas investors on board
would help introduce new management concepts and sharpen railways'
competitiveness in the container transport market.
The ministry has been seeking foreign investment since last
year.
Railways Minister Liu Zhijun told a national conference earlier
this year that local governments, State-owned and private
enterprises, social investment institutions and overseas funds were
all welcome to invest in the railways.
(China Daily June 1, 2007)
