On September 7 the Duisburg Port President and CEO Mr. Erich Staake visited the Freeport of Riga, says press center of the Freeport of Riga Authority. The Duisburg port representative met with the Freeport of Riga Deputy CEO - Marketing Director Mr.Edgars Suna and was introduced to the Freeport operation, sailing through the Riga port water area. The Duisburg Port is the world's largest inland port, which in recent years has developed into a leading logistics hub of the Central Europe. Mr.Eric Staake came to Latvia with the aim to meet with the representatives of the Ministry of Transport, JSC Latvijas Dzelscels (Latvian Railway) and the Freeport of Riga and discuss issues related to cooperation of Latvian parties with Duisburg port in the framework of Eurasian supply chain.
The Port of Duisburg has launched a “New Silk Road” train between the Chinese city of Chongqing and Duisburg, as well as is successfully working on its development. Latvian logistics industry is interested in developing Chinese - European logistics supply corridor via Latvia with the aim to ensure Northern European logistics supply chain operation. Latvian transit industry representatives, including the Freeport of Riga Authority and the port companies, are ready to work actively to offer integrated and sustainable logistics solutions, as well as loading of container train in both directions.
The Duisburg port CEO has previously expressed the idea that closer cooperation with the Latvian transit corridor would benefit both players involved. On the one hand, it offers direct access to Central European markets. On the other hand, it would provide more efficient rail connections with Asia due to the fact that Latvia has direct access to the wider railway gauge.
During his visit to the Freeport of Riga Mr. Staake was informed about the port infrastructure, container terminal operation and the Freeport offers related to new investment projects’ implementation.