Have UK businesses missed the train

[DSY011]

Across the Ethiopian countryside 2,000km (1,243 miles) of railway is being built, the first phase of an endeavour to create a new 5,000km network.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24869433

Currently no British companies are involved, despite Ethiopia approaching the UK for assistance at the start, and the project being constructed according to official UK railway industry standards.
And investment does not have to be just in Ethiopia. Railway construction is also going on in the Republic of Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Libya and Egypt.

[wyvern]

I bet many of the railways in the African continent are being built by the Chinese companies by Chinese investors.

Incidentally would not the construction be to EU rather than specifically UK standards?

For instance this:

Kenya launches mega $13.8bn railway project

Built by a Chinese state-owned firm and with funds from the Chinese government, the railway line is expected to dramatically increase trade and boost Kenya's position as a regional economic powerhouse.

Afterthought: From the OP's link

"Insufficient short-term profit margin is most likely putting UK companies off coming to Africa, says Manaye Ewunetu, managing director of London-based ME Consulting Engineers that specialises in Africa and the Middle East."

British financiers are only interested in quick returns.

[Tony]

We here in the UK are arguing about spending twice this amount over the next thirty years for HS2. Where would any British company raise this amount of money ? And would the customers be prepared to wait that long for completion ?

[philw]

The Brits may worry more about whether they would get paid or not. Too risky..

[wyvern]

It not so much that (since more money comes out of Africa than goes in) The Chinese are after the mineral deposits.

And HS2 - It isnt business that's paying for it. We are, the taxpayers.

[pre65]

Originally Posted by wyvern

I The Chinese are after the mineral deposits.

That's the reason.

[Silver Fox Phil]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/wo...k-8976970.html

Could be a massive investment from China is on the cards?
Take a look at the link.
Cheers
Phil

[Resolution]

Yes! I agree.......pity The very people that built the IC125 could have done that years ago. But they were all made redundant, their works closed, asset stripped, by the bankers who all bought BMW's & Expensive sports cars on the proceeds whilst the workers lost their homes!
They have now spent 30yrs plus on the dole and are now being labelled: "Lazy"
I don't know about you but I'm still angry about that That is when we "lost it".