Two leading Portuguese and UK railway trade bodies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will lead to greater cooperation and collaboration between the two industry associations.
The UK Railway Industry Association (RIA) and the Plataforma Ferroviária Portuguesa (PFP) signed the memorandum at the British Ambassador’s residence in Lisbon, as a UK rail trade delegation of 16 companies visits Portugal this week.
The two associations will work more closely together to help boost each country’s export potential in rail.
The agreement will enhance the following:
- Exchange of information in the areas of research, development and innovation
- Sharing best practice in relation to skills, training and industry recruitment
- Coordination in industry events, rail events and trade fairs in the UK, Portugal, and elsewhere
- Access to meeting facilities in the offices of PFP and RIA for members of either organisation
Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the UK Railway Industry Association, said: “We are pleased to embark on a new journey of enhanced co-operation between the UK and Portuguese rail industries.
“In the UK, rail exports play a vital role in helping increase growth and boosting supply chain resilience. We look forward to working with our colleagues at PFP to maximise the export potential between our respective railway industries.”
João Figueiredo, Presidente of the Board of Plataforma Ferroviária Portuguesa said: “We will welcome gladly RIA in Portugal, to formalise and initiate a strong co-operation between our both associations, following the tradition of the oldest international alliance still in force.
“This co-operation will enlarge the railway knowledge share and will open mutual business opportunities between our associate members.”
Image credit: Railway Industry Association, iStock
