Since 2011, every two years, Eurasia Rail has taken up residence in Istanbul, Turkey. With its 7,500 visitors, it is one of the main railway exhibitions in the region and a bridge between Europe and Asia for the 150 professionals present. Galland, leader in catenary, could not miss this event. We were there from June 21 to 23, in the person of our Turkish representative Taha Alper Koçer, director of Noviter Engineering & Consultancy (in Ankara), specialist in electrification and catenary systems.
How important is the Eurasia Rail exhibition?
It is the International Exhibition of Rolling Stock, Infrastructure and Logistics. And the only exhibition of the railway industry in the region, it is also one of the largest railway events in the world. As its name suggests, it has the distinction of connecting the European and Asian continents. Eurasia Rail is the main business center of the railway industry in Turkey and Eurasia. It brings together leading international and national brands, high-level speakers and unparalleled meeting opportunities. So it is not only famous in Turkey! This event attracts railway stakeholders from all over the world, including Germany, France, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Spain, United Kingdom, Kuwait, India and Nigeria.
Why do you think it is important to participate?
The diversity offered by this show is an opportunity for all professionals in our sector, because it is synonymous with new perspectives.
Every two years, Eurasia Rail brings together the world’s rolling stock manufacturers, infrastructure technology providers and rail logistics companies for three days of business and networking. It features industry giants and trade visitors. They not only take the pulse of the regional rail sector, but also use this unique exhibition to build on existing relationships or establish new ones.
What Galland products have you exhibited?
Our booth was dedicated to section insulators for tram lines, conventional lines and high-speed lines. We also had a modular cantilever set, an anchor clamp and an anchor insulator. In addition, we promoted Galland’s flagship products such as the AERO via promotional videos, leaflets and catalogues.
Were the meetings at stand Galland fruitful?
Yes, we took advantage of the excitement of this event at 100%. We met with many railway authorities (national railways, municipalities, etc.) and many entrepreneurs, we represented Galland and we discussed our products and the possibilities that were available to us. Our list of prospects has grown considerably! Eurasia Rail has allowed us to initiate relationships that will lead to business.
What are the prospects for railways in your country and more generally in Eurasia?
Here too, sustainable development is the watchword! It is an imperative in all areas, especially transport. As such, less polluting rail networks represent the future. This is why Turkey is developing its electrified rail network by connecting more and more cities with high-speed lines, building new mixed-traffic lines and modernizing existing lines through electrification.
In Asia, new markets are promising, starting with Azerbaijan, which is investing heavily in railways. It is followed by other Central Asian countries such as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. We must not forget the Middle East market with countries such as Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, which are participating in the Gulf railway project.
How do Galland products compare to international competition?
Galland products are based on over 75 years of experience! Solutions like AERO and modular cantilevers are unique and make the company name shine all over the world. But in my opinion, in addition to the quality of its products and its know-how, the main asset of Galland is its expertise in catenary systems. It is essential to know perfectly the needs of the system for which you are designing a product. And Galland has this comprehensive knowledge! I am convinced that this company will establish itself as one of the leading suppliers in the Turkish and Eurasian markets.
