Baltic States – CIS, China, Lithuania, Logistics, Port, Transport

The subject of the current rumour is the Chinese company China Merchants Group (CMG), whose representatives recently paid a visit to Lithuania and the Klaipeda Seaport. It is one of the largest state companies of China, a leader among China's state port operators.

Currently, the company is working on a USD 300 million project in Belarus – it is building a giant Great Stone industrial park of nearly 10,000 ha near the Minsk airport. During the construction stage, the Klaipeda Seaport is planned to be used for transportation of building materials. Therefore, the Chinese are looking a place in the Lithuanian port. The first stage of the project should be completed in late 2016, so there is not much time for anybody. It is likely that decisions will be made promptly.

The Chinese, of course, could do it without being co-owners, however, their wish is to get established in the Klaipeda port. "They are going to buy a terminal or a logistics centre. In a few weeks, CMG representatives will come to Klaipeda," said Arturas Drungilas, the port's Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director.