China, Mexico Advance Green Railway Cooperation

Representatives from China and Mexico’s governments, UNESCO, railway associations and companies discussed opportunities to expand sustainable rail transportation cooperation as Mexico continues investing in low-emission urban mobility systems. The China-Mexico Dialogue on the Green Future of Railway Transportation highlighted the role of rail infrastructure in reducing emissions, improving urban connectivity and supporting sustainable city development.

Held in Mexico City under the theme Sustainable Mobility and Cultural Exchange, the forum brought together public and private sector stakeholders to explore how railway systems can address growing transportation demand while contributing to environmental and social objectives. The discussions come as Mexico City advances the electrification and modernization of its public transportation network.

The event was organized by the Mexico City Electric Transport Service (STE), the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the National Museum of History, the Chinese Cultural Center in Mexico and Chinese railway equipment manufacturer CRRC Corporation Limited.

Railway technology and ESG strategies

During the forum, CRRC presented railway systems adapted to local operating conditions in Mexico, incorporating technological solutions and cultural elements from the country. UNESCO representatives highlighted the company’s locally adapted ESG strategy as an example of how sustainability principles can be integrated into business operations.

Wang Feng, President, CRRC, said the company’s long-term strategy is focused on helping cities develop cleaner and more efficient transportation systems by combining advanced railway technology, local operational knowledge and ESG practices. 

“Mexico is a culturally diverse, open and inclusive country, and the railway equipment industry is a platform for open cooperation and mutual benefit,” Wang said. He added that when Chinese railway equipment enters international markets, the objective is not to advance independently but to support broader industry development.

“What we seek has never been to stand out alone, but to promote that the railway equipment industry advances together toward a development that is safer, smarter, greener, faster and more comfortable,” Wang said.

The executive also highlighted CRRC’s efforts to accelerate the development and application of low-, zero- and negative-carbon technologies, while improving energy efficiency, reducing consumption and lowering emissions through digital technologies, new products and services.

The companies and institutions also presented CRRC’s 2025 Sustainability Development Report in Mexico, which aligns with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Mexico’s regulatory framework. The report outlines the company’s ESG initiatives in the country and presents low-carbon results from its work with metro and light rail systems in Mexico City.

The document also includes CRRC projects in Guadalajara, Monterrey and Campeche, as well as the company’s transportation support for FIFA World Cup matches.

Urban mobility and infrastructure development

The forum included discussions on smart mobility and urban resilience, focusing on technological innovation for sustainable urban renewal, as well as cultural preservation and inclusive communities in the digital era.

Chen Daojiang, China’s Ambassador to Mexico, said green transportation is a key element for both countries to advance the UN 2030 Agenda and strengthen bilateral cooperation. “Green transportation not only connects urban spaces, but also connects people with nature; it not only improves operational efficiency, but also carries a sense of social equity and civilizational progress,” Chen said.

Héctor Ulises García, Mexico City Minister of Mobility, highlighted the capital’s efforts to develop an integrated, low-emission public transportation system. “Today, talking about sustainable mobility means talking about the future of our cities. It is not only about moving people from one point to another. It is about guaranteeing access to rights, reducing inequalities, improving quality of life, reducing polluting emissions and building more human urban environments,” García said.

Paulina Téllez, Director General, Mexican Association of Railways (AMF), emphasized the role of rail transportation in Mexico’s sustainability and logistics goals. “Rail has always been more than a means of transportation. It has been a bridge between regions, communities and industries. It has accompanied the development of cities,” Téllez said.

Giacomo Mazzone, United Nations expert on sustainable cities and digital governance, placed the discussions within the context of the UN’s Pact for the Future, adopted in 2024. “In our new interconnected world, cities are living organisms. They are no longer only bricks and roads, but the interaction between citizens and infrastructure, infrastructure that can be intelligent,” Mazzone stated.