RAIL SYSTEM UPGRADED

Besides buying carriages and locomotives, Argentina also introduced signaling systems and other services from China.

The Sarmiento line's signal system has been upgraded with Chinese technology by April, said Chen Jian, deputy director of CRRC's Times Electricity company.

"The CRRC's electrical power supply and signaling systems are world leading. We can help Argentina upgrade its railway networks with our technology and experiences," said Chen.

The CRRC will also provide equipment for the Roca line connecting the capital with its suburban areas, including traction systems, auxiliary converters, and control and monitoring devices.

However, Chen pointed out certain challenges in their further cooperation, especially the closed nature of the Argentine market and its distance from China.

"Technical assistance and post-sales services face big challenges due to the distance," Chen said, "Building plants in Argentina would be a good way to solve those problems."

Last November, the CSR and Argentine government reached an agreement to establish a plant here to provide maintenance service and produce equipment and parts for trains via technology transfer.

This new Chinese plant would mark the beginning of an era of technological cooperation and revive Argentina's railway industry, Randazzo said.