On October 30, 2018, in the framework of the First US Certified Trade Mission to Ukraine, Volodymyr Omelyan, the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine met with representatives of the leading American companies: Greenbrier, Baron Services, Bechtel and Caterpillar.

The Minister of Infrastructure express gratitude to the foreign investor for the practical interest in cooperation on development and modernization of infrastructure of Ukraine and inform about perspective infrastructure projects in which the American companies could participate.

Volodymyr Omelyan underline on the readiness of the Ministry of Infrastructure to provide all-round support to mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign companies, to promote the attraction of leading practices and the best examples of construction in transport infrastructure of the world for work in the transport system of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Omelyan, the Minister of Infrastructure discussed with Mr. Serhiy Braylyan, Global Business Development Manager (Africa, CA & CEE) of Baron Weather the prospects of cooperation in the implementation of intelligent transport systems with the possibilities of monitoring and management of traffic flows, use of sensors for safety issues, monitoring road conditions, provision of appropriate services for road users and its optimization. The head of the Ministry noted that the technologies for analyzing and forecasting weather presenting Baron Services could be potentially interesting for Ukrainian airports.

Baron Services, founded in 1989, is the leading US company for the development, manufacture and implementation of weather radars and digital solutions for weather monitoring, forecasting, warning and data distribution (weather radar, visualization software, hydrological and roadway modeling, digital solutions and value-added weather data through multiple distribution channels). Among the clients and partners are the US National Meteorological Service, the Federal Civil Aviation Administration and the US Department of Defense.

Volodymyr Omelyan noted that that Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine according to the Concept of the development of the digital economy and society of Ukraine for 2018-2020 and National Transport Strategy of Ukraine for the period up to 2030, develops projects on the use of digital technologies, in particular “Internet of Things” on transport infrastructure taking into account the possibilities of monitoring and management of traffic flows, use of sensors for safety issues, monitoring road conditions, provision of appropriate services for road users and its optimization. Together with market participants in 2019, a pilot project to use the "Internet of Things" with the use of 5G communication technology is planned. The Ministry of Infrastructure has already started the "Weighing in motion" project together with the State Agency of Automobile Roads of Ukraine and the World Bank to ensure road safety, monitor the weight of trucks and ensure compliance with all necessary standards for cargo transportation.

The Minister of Infrastructure also discussed with Mr. Christopher Jennions, Business Development Manager of Bechtela promising infrastructure project in which the company can participate, in particular, the concession of railway stations and the construction of the Odessa-Kyiv high-speed rail.

Bechtel is the largest engineering and construction company in the United States with 120 years of experience. Bechtel has built more than 27,000 km of roads, 390 power plants, and 50 hydroelectric power stations. It has implemented more than 300 subway and rail projects, 80 port and harbor projects and 96 airport projects.

Volodymyr Omelyan, during a meeting with Mr. Niikolas Rautiola, Director, Global Aftermarket Sales of Caterpillar Company said that Ukraine is taking all measures to create a competitive transport market, ensure equal access to infrastructure, implement innovative development models and attract investments, including significant funds for the renewal of rolling stock of PJSC "Ukrzaliznytsya" in the next few years.

Volodymyr Omelyan expressed his hope for further fruitful cooperation between the parties in search of technical solutions for the modernization of locomotives operated by Ukrainian rail transport enterprises.

Representatives of Caterpillar, in turn, said that the company is interested in entering on the Ukrainian market not only as a manufacturer of locomotives, but also to provide a full range of special equipment.

Caterpillar is the world's largest manufacturer of construction equipment and one of the leading corporations for the production of special equipment in the United States and in the world. It produces construction, railway, agricultural machinery, diesel and gas engines, equipment and machinery for the mining industry.