Cargo, China, Containers, Good for Business, Latvia, Markets and Companies, Port, Railways, Transport

The talks between the two officials focused on bilateral and international cooperation on the One Belt, One Road initiative, which includes development of Eurasian transport links. The ministers agreed to promote cooperation on rail cargo transportation also in the future.

“Cooperation on rail cargo transportation is ongoing, and a second train is due to depart from Latvia to China this week. Thus, we will have sent two container trains from Latvia already, and we expect two trains to be sent from China to Latvia as well. Of course, more work is needed to make the rail cargo deliveries as effective and regular as possible, but I am confident that together, strengthening cooperation and meeting the necessary industry requirements, we will make this a transit link of regional importance,” said Augulis.

The minister also indicated that Latvia is interested in involvement in the China-Belarus industrial park Great Stone, as Latvia can offer access to the sea for transshipment of goods.

“Chinese entrepreneurs are welcome to seize the opportunity and develop logistics centers and industrial parks in Latvia’s freeports and special economic zones, securing not only various benefits in their daily operations and cost saving opportunities, but also easier and transparent access to the EU, Russian, Belarusian and Kazakh markets,” Augulis said.

The Latvian minister also invited his Chinese colleague to visit Latvia.

Latvia has already concluded a number of cooperation memorandums with Chinese partners, including China’s Transport Ministry, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Civil Aviation Administration, as well as Chinese companies like China Railway Rolling Stock and Shandong Hi-Speed.