China, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Logistics, Transport

Photo: valitsus.ee

According to Ratas, the economic cooperation between Estonia and China has gained momentum and currently, a distribution center for Chinese businesses and goods is being developed. The center will stimulate e-commerce. Ratas named digital management, low corruption, and highly skilled workforce as the strengths of Estonia in developing the distribution center, government spokespeople said.

Ratas confirmed at the meeting, which was also attended by Minister of Rural Affairs Tarmo Tamm, that the Estonian food industry has a keen interest in China. "Many Estonian dairy products are already on the Chinese market, high-quality fish and poultry products are next," the prime minister said.

Ratas and Li met before the annual 16+1 Summit, a summit where 11 member states of the European Union and 5 countries of the Western Balkans meet with China. Last year, Prime Minister Juri Ratas attended the summit in Budapest, Hungary with Minister of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology Urve Palo. During the last meeting, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications signed three economic treaties with China: the Silk Road Initiative Memorandum, the Digital Silk Road Agreement, and the E-Commerce Agreement. These treaties broaden the opportunities for Estonian logistics and transportation companies.

This April, the representatives of Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications and a business delegation visited Beijing. During the visit, a high-profile working group was set up, featuring the representatives of large companies such as Alibaba, Huawei, and JD.com. In addition, a working group uniting the Estonian private and public sectors has been set up to facilitate trade with China.

At the 16+1 Summit in Sofia on Saturday, Minister of Rural Affairs Tarmo Tamm, and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China Han Changfu signed an action plan to develop cooperation in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, and rural development for 2018–2022.