Sheng Guangzu (盛光祖), Minister of Railways

"Railways are the main artery of the national economy, an important part of a country's infrastructure and a mass transportation tool, we are now facing new challenges and higher demands."

Sheng Guangzu at the National Railway Work Conference in Beijing on Dec 23, 2011.

Key phrase: Safety first, service second, revenue third, financing fourth

Core concerns: Last summer’s high-speed train crash in Wenzhou sent shock waves through the railway sector. The focus this year will remain on funding and safety, while the ministry will try to promote new management strategies and toughen its approach to corruption.