OREANDA-NEWS. On September 09, 2008 Vladimir Yakunin, President of Russian Railways, announced in Irkutsk that reconstruction of the railway line Rajin - Hasan in North Korea and the construction of the container terminal at the port of Rajin will begin on 3 October 2008, reported the press-centre of Russian Railways.

"Siberia and the Far East are inextricably linked. If goods start to flow from the East, Siberia’s revenues and tax base will increase. In this connection, on 3 October Russian Railways will begin the reconstruction of the railway line between Rajin and Hasan in North Korea and the construction of the container terminal in the port of Rajin.

This is an important element in the work to develop partnerships with countries in the Asia-Pacific region which the Russian government and other Russian regions are pursuing, including at the Baikal Economic Forum," said Vladimir Yakunin.

In addition, Vladimir Yakunin reported that he would be taking part in the V Baikal Economic Forum scheduled to take place from 8 to 11 September 2008 in Irkutsk.

Yakunin will make a presentation at the plenary session “The Role of Siberia and the Far East in Global Development.” Issues to be discussed during the meeting will include the implementation of Russia’s strategy for socio-economic development; the industrial and economic potential of Siberia; regional, federal and international logistics systems; the development of Russia’s transport system and improving accessibility to public transport.
Vladimir Yakunin also said that at the Baikal Economic Forum, he intended to meet the Japanese delegation and Sanzhiyn Bayar, the Prime Minister of Mongolia.