Baltic States – CIS, Forum, Latvia, Port, Railways, Transport

The "Transit – Kazakhstan 2013" exhibition was opened in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, today. Latvia is also participating in the exhibition with its port and transit business stand.

Today, Latvia's stand was visited by Kazakh Transport Ministry Executive Secretary Kasymbek Zhenis Mahmudovich and Kazakhstan Temir Zholy ("Kazakhstan Railways") Vice President Kanat Alpysbayev.

Latvian Transport Ministry Deputy State Secretary Uldis Reimanis is convinced that Latvian-Kazakh cooperation will continue to be constructive and successful. Latvia is interested in attracting new cargo flows from China via Kazakhstan. Therefore Latvia highly appreciates the newly-established transport and logistics connection between Kazakhstan and China – the Horgos Special Economic Development Zone.

Latvijas Dzelzcels Vice President Eriks Smuksts explains that participation in the exhibition is an opportunity for Latvijas Dzelzcels and companies from Latvia's largest ports to establish contacts to provide Latvia's transit corridor with new cargo types. "At the moment, Kazakhstan is not our biggest partner in cargo transportation. Russia maintains its leading position with a 65 percent share, followed by Belarus. However, Russia is currently actively developing its ports, to redirect its cargo to them. Therefore, cooperation with Kazakhstan has huge potential in the future, adds Smuksts.

Container train "Baltika Transit" operator Fesco Integrated Transport intends to increase the volume of freight transported by "Baltica Transit" 10 to 15% next year, attracting cargo in southern and northern directions.

Latvia's stand at this year's exhibition is called "Transit via Latvia – the Silk Road of the 21st Century". The container train "Baltika Transit", which has been connecting the Gulf of Riga and Kazakhstan for more than ten years, is a testament to Latvian-Kazakh long-standing cooperation.

Latvia is represented at the exhibition by the Freeport of Riga Authority, the Freeport of Ventspils Authority, the Liepaja Special Economic Zone Authority, Latvijas Dzelzcels, LDz Cargo, DB Schenker and other companies. The exhibition will run until September 20.