<div id="readability-page-1">The deployment of mainland China-made rail equipment and technologies by Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation can provide a “showcase” for their applications overseas, a top representative of manufacturing giant CRRC has said. Jin Guozhong, chief engineer of the CRRC Qishuyan Institute, the Chinese state-owned manufacturer’s research and development centre in Changzhou, said on Friday there was a synergy between the two rail firms that went beyond equipment deployment. The semi-privatised MTR Corp had also played the role of “superconnector” by partnering with mainland rail firms looking to expand overseas, Hong Kong’s rail operator said. Jin told Hong Kong media visiting the mainland city of Changzhou: “It’s highly likely, given that Hong Kong’s MTR Corp has one of the highest passenger volumes in the world, and that its operational and maintenance systems offer valuable experience.” He said the MTR Corp had applied new technologies by CRRC, such as artificial intelligence (AI), as well as passenger flow management and intelligent systems, with the latter including those overseeing power grids, rolling stock and railway lines. “So Hong Kong can serve as a showcase for our future applications, which will create a significant impact on the global rail industry,” Jin said. CRRC is the world’s largest rolling stock company in terms of revenue and is listed in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The MTR Corp is cooperating with the manufacturing giant’s branches in cities such as Guangzhou, Changchun and Qingdao. Last year, the MTR Corp made its first investment in the rail equipment industry through CRRC Guangdong, in a move to gain further access to the Greater Bay Area market. That same year, the Hong Kong rail giant recorded 1.9 billion trips using its local train services, a level similar to that of 2024. Looking to the future, Jin said the mainland had already contributed to the world’s rail benchmarks by producing about 600 sets of standards, while the collaborations between CRRC and the MTR Corp would help take the nation’s standards international.  In response to the South China Morning Post’s queries, an MTR Corp spokesman said: “We collaborate through partnerships with industry players from around the world, among them CRRC, in railway asset renewal, innovative technology and operational enhancements.” He cited the MTR Corp’s recent team-up with CRRC in forming a venture called the Metro Trains West Consortium, which won a major contract for the new Sydney Metro West project in New South Wales, Australia. The Hong Kong rail giant also said 93 new trains manufactured by CRRC Qingdao Sifang were gradually being deployed to the city’s Kwun Tong, Island, Tsuen Wan and Tseung Kwan O lines. As a nationwide policy, Beijing encourages mainland companies to expand overseas. Hong Kong plays a role as a “superconnector” and “super value-adder”. The mainland’s railway is characterised as the world’s largest, most advanced and rapidly expanding high-speed network. A mainland transport official said last year the network covered 48,000km (29,825 miles), or more than 70 per cent of the world’s total high-speed rail mileage. The network is also known for its speed, modernisation and improved economic connectivity, but has been frequently scrutinised for its high debt, profitability challenges and overexpansion. </div>

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<p>MTR Corporation's collaboration with CRRC showcases mainland China's rail technology for global applications. CRRC's chief engineer highlighted the synergy between the two firms, emphasizing MTR's role as a 'superconnector' for mainland rail firms. MTR has integrated CRRC's technologies, including AI and intelligent systems, enhancing operational efficiency. The partnership aims to set international rail standards, with MTR's recent investments in CRRC and projects like the Sydney Metro West contract furthering this goal. The mainland's extensive high-speed rail network, while advanced, faces scrutiny over debt and profitability issues.</p>

SCMP

Guotai CSI Mainland transport theme ETF

CRRC

ChinaAMC CSI All Share Transportation ETF

MTR CORPORATION

MTR Corp’s use of CRRC technology can act as ‘showcase’ for rest of the world