newstodate.aero
Aug 29, 2023 (newstodate): Finding six Latvian entities on the list of China's Belt & Road Initiative for investment opportunities may be a surprise to some.
But not to the country's Director of aviation department, Artus Kokars.
-It is difficult for me to comment on whether this should be surprising. Riga Airport has been working with e-commerce issues for years, and China is still a relevant market in this matter.
-I am positive that entrepreneurs continue to work in this direction, says Mr Kokars in a written response to newstodate's inquiry.
On the list are Latvian projects Riga Airport City, Riga Cargo City, Freeport of Riga, Ventspils Harbour, Spilve Park, as well as the airport handling company Aviation Cargo Transit Services (ATCS).
For Riga Airport, the interest in the Chinese market is obvious; the airport has been building a role as an entry point for ex-China e-trade shipments for European onward distribution, while this business segment has suffered from the closure of the Russian airspace and sanctions due to the Russian war on Ukraine.
Still, Latvia is the only Baltic market retaining ties with BRI after Estonia and Latvia left another Chinese trade construction, 16+1, in 2022 following the example set by Lithuania the year earlier.
But not to the country's Director of aviation department, Artus Kokars.
-It is difficult for me to comment on whether this should be surprising. Riga Airport has been working with e-commerce issues for years, and China is still a relevant market in this matter.
-I am positive that entrepreneurs continue to work in this direction, says Mr Kokars in a written response to newstodate's inquiry.
On the list are Latvian projects Riga Airport City, Riga Cargo City, Freeport of Riga, Ventspils Harbour, Spilve Park, as well as the airport handling company Aviation Cargo Transit Services (ATCS).
For Riga Airport, the interest in the Chinese market is obvious; the airport has been building a role as an entry point for ex-China e-trade shipments for European onward distribution, while this business segment has suffered from the closure of the Russian airspace and sanctions due to the Russian war on Ukraine.
Still, Latvia is the only Baltic market retaining ties with BRI after Estonia and Latvia left another Chinese trade construction, 16+1, in 2022 following the example set by Lithuania the year earlier.