Viktor Zubkov read out Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's welcoming message to conference participants.

Addressing the conferees, he said in part:

"The people gathered in this hall represent an industry that plays a crucial role in the economic, social, and territorial development of Russia, and in ensuring comfort and a good quality of life for people.

"Historically, the railway complex has had a strategic impact on the country by ensuring the integrity of the economic system. The stable work of production plants, the punctual delivery of vital cargo to the country's most remote regions, and the successful functioning of almost all economic sectors – these things are impossible without precise, well-coordinated rail transport.

"In the last ten years, rail shipping has grown by a third – Russian railroads account for 86% of the total shipping. I'm sure that this growth will continue. The quality of logistics, the speed of shipping, and transit capacity will increase.

"I would like to note the role of rail transport in the development of certain regions and the promotion of economic integration. In many Russian regions, railway companies are the largest employers, important taxpayers, and key clients of the industrial and construction sectors. Passenger rail travel is of primary importance for social development and improving people's mobility. Railway enterprises remain remain the backbone of many towns and villages.

"The development prospects of a number of regions depend on gaining access to the railway network and ensuring year-round rail shipping and passenger travel.

"I would like to note the particular significance of rail transport in the development of agriculture. You play a special role in this field.

"Given the existing regional imbalances in the production and consumption of agricultural goods, rail transport serves as a link between the domestic and foreign food markets, a means for forming new cross-border corridors for food supplies, a driver of the development of agricultural infrastructure, and, in fact, the basis of our food security.

"Grain output has been considerable this year. Millions of tonnes of numerous crops were harvested. Some Russian regions have surpluses. It is important to use the harvest efficiently, and so we maintain a running dialogue with you in this field.

"As agricultural production is seasonal, it is crucial for us to ensure the timely and regular shipment of such goods. We have accomplished well-coordinated and efficient work in a number of spheres and regions. For instance, in November 2011, rolling stock was fully provided for the transport of all sorts of agricultural produce in the Novosibirsk, the Nizhny Novgorod and the Chita regions. We regularly hold conference calls in the Russian government that address these issues.

"On behalf of the Russian government, I would like to thank all railway professionals for the constructive dialogue, understanding, and promptly taking necessary measures.

"In the upcoming months, the intensity of agricultural shipping will not decrease. Million of tonnes of goods are expected to be transported until the end of the current agricultural year, July 1, 2012.

"In this respect, I would like to ask you to maintain the momentum that your work has gained and to meet existing agricultural needs for railway infrastructure in full. I hope that rail transport will continue to be a reliable partner for the agricultural sector and a guarantee of the long-term and successful social and economic development of the industry.

"We see that the railway industry and its employees face great challenges. I would like to assure you that the state will continue to support rail transport. Our ability to meet the demands of the economy and the citizens for safe and comfortable rail transport depends on your performance.

"I wish all conference participants successful and productive work."