Baltic Export, China, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Latvia, Markets and Companies, Transport

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Addressing the participants, the Prime Minister pointed out that Latvia has one of the highest GDP growth rates in Europe compared to all Member States of the European Union, as well as a stable and predictable business environment with a favourable tax policy. Also the trade volume between Latvia and China continues to rise, and this year has grown by 40%. This, in turn, is indicative of the strong potential for further mutual cooperation between the two countries.

”Latvian food products are of excellent quality. I believe that the Chinese market will benefit from our food, for example, milk, meat and fish products or high-quality medical products. Our dairy products have already reached the Chinese market, and you can taste the Latvian ice-cream in Shanghai”, stressed L. Straujuma.

As regards the connectivity and promotion of cooperation between Europe and Asia, the Prime Minister expressed the support of Latvia to the new One Belt, One Road initiative, which will open up new opportunities for cooperation between Latvia and China in the fields of transport and logistics. "Latvia with its three ice-free ports and a well-developed infrastructure is already a transport and trade gateway between East and West, North and South. We will make every effort to become a major centre of the new Silk Road of the 21st century and the Maritime Silk Route”, said L. Straujuma.

In her speech, the Prime Minister drew attention to the fact that Latvia actively participates in 16 + 1 cooperation format of China and Central and Eastern European countries. Similarly, Latvia has declared its readiness to become the coordinating country in the fields of transport and logistics in 16+1 cooperation format of China and Central and Eastern European countries. L. Straujuma expressed her hope that a positive decision will be made at tomorrow’s meeting of the Heads of State of China and Central and Eastern European countries regarding organizing the 16+ 1 format meeting of the ministers responsible for the field of transport in 2016 in Rīga.

L. Straujuma welcomed China's investment in Latvia, particularly, in the areas where China has a world-class technology and skills. “We have created favourable conditions for investors in all our major ports and special economic zones. We have high-end financial services and IT infrastructure, including one of the world's fastest internet to meet all the needs”.

At the end of her address, the Prime Minister extended an invitation to visit Latvia and enjoy our hospitality, culture and traditions, as well as to look for new opportunities for cooperation.