Latvia, Port, Transport

The prime minister underscored that Latvijas Dzelzcels railway company, now undergoing restructuring, is connected with and depending on Latvia's large ports - Riga and Ventspils. Even though it has been known already that Russia is developing its ports and our ports should get ready for the situation, this has not happened yet.

Karins said that the new head of the Riga port is considering an opportunity to develop manufacturing in the port's territory, but these issues had to be discussed several years ago.

The politician was skeptical about the state developing its own terminals as proposed by Transport Minister Talis Linkaits (New Conservative Party). Karins said that private businesses should be engaged in attraction of cargos.

As reported, Latvijas Dzezlcels state-owned railway company plans to fire about 1,500 employees by the end of this year.