European investors are showing keen interest in railway projects in the Middle East and North Africa – estimated to be worth USD300 billion. The Middle East’s market for railway equipment has been largely dominated by European producers of railway cars and facilities. Chinese investors are not far behind. Japan, on the other hand, continues to lag. Although the Japanese are far more advanced in railway technology, their success in winning railway projects abroad is poor, reflecting the preference of many Japanese companies to choose projects only in Asian markets. Qatar presents an up-and-coming test case. To host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar will need four lines covering Greater Doha. Japanese vendors are vying for the project. One advantage the Japanese now have is the weaker Yen versus the US dollar and Euro. Will Japan be able to harness the First Arrow of Abe-nomics to gain railway market share in the Middle-East and globally? https://www.spireresearch.com