The issues of developing logistics routes, increasing the volume of transportation through the Baltic ports, rail and road transport, as well as increasing the export of Ukrainian products were discussed during a meeting between representatives of the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and the delegation of the Republic of Latvia.
“We are grateful for the assistance provided to Ukraine by the Republic of Latvia since the first days of the large-scale invasion. We already have a number of joint developments in transport cooperation that will not only increase the export potential of the state, but also stimulate the economic development of both countries. We are talking about transit routes, railway and road infrastructure, as well as the prospects for cooperation in the field of air traffic,” said Vasyl Shkurakov, Acting Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development.
According to the Latvian delegation, led by Minister for Economics of the Republic of Latvia Viktors Valainis, Latvia will allocate EUR 6 million in 2024 to support infrastructure development in Ukraine. It is expected that a similar amount of support will be allocated for 2025.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the development of logistics chains, the creation of favourable financial and economic conditions and the promotion of economic cooperation between the countries.
The Republic of Latvia is interested in strengthening economic ties, in particular, in substituting agricultural exports from russia and developing export routes. It is envisaged that a proposal for a combined logistics solution will be developed for both Ukrainian exporters and Latvian partners, which will include both land and sea transport.
The parties also discussed the expansion of cooperation in the field of railway transport and the use of the eCherha service. In addition, representatives of the Latvian delegation assured that airBaltic is ready to start operating in Ukraine as soon as air traffic is restored.
The participants of the meeting agreed to set up a working group to develop solutions in the field of transport cooperation, both at the level of the two countries and the European Union.