The 2d International Conference "JSC Russian Rail Ways (RZhD) on the Transportation Service Market: Cooperation and Partnership" was held in Moscow.

This is an annual event where Uralkali took part not only as a participant but also as a partner. The conference is an important event to the Russian business people. Besides the RZhD, the major operators of rolling stock, service companies and insurance companies as well as others companies whose activity is linked to railways traditionally partake.

The director of transport at the company, Sergei Momtsemlidze represented Uralkali on the conference.

He held a speech to tell the audience about the Uralkali's investment projects in 2004. Mr. Momtsemlidze reported more than 8 million 800 thousands of tons of cargo has been transported by railway during the first 11 months of 2004. It is by 8,6 percent more compared with the same period last year.

The Uralkali's railway car park capacity currently exceeds 3.600 cars, 2.500 out of which are to transport mineral substances. In total, the investment volume to purchase new cars is planned to reach $17 million in 2004.

Modernization of the repair depot is another aspect in the investment policy. The current repair depot has the capacity of 1.200 cars for the capital repair works, and 9 thousand cars for light repair works per year. It is planned to increase the capital repair facility to 3.800 cars, and light repair capacity to 26 thousand cars per annum.

Financing the traveling infrastructure is an important component of investments in the railway sector. Uralkali plans to develop two new garages for railway cars at the Berizniki Ore Development Units 1, 4. The cost of the project will exceed $2,5 million.

Summing up the conference results, Mr. Momtsemlidze said participation in such events is very important for the company. "RZhD is our strategic partner. The conference has helped us know one each other better, arrange new contacts and share the experience. Such forums make for working on the current issues and further development of our cooperation".

To confirm how important the mutual cooperation is for railway men, the RZhD's leadership nominated Uralkali as "The best company operator of rolling stock in 2004".

The president of RZhD, Gennadi Fadeyev participated in the award cup handling ceremony, which was held after the plenary session.