Last week the first cargo container was shipped from the largest container terminal in the Port of Riga, the “Baltic Container Terminal”, to Ninbo, China marking the launch of the newly-established Chinese (Ninbo) - Latvian trans-border e-commerce hub, say press center of the port. The first container was filled with paint products from Riga Varnish and Paint Factory. To celebrate this new beginning, an official opening ceremony was organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Latvia, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and the Central and Eastern Europe E-Commerce Hub Development Association, the Freeport of Riga Authority, and Baltic Container terminal LLC.
“During the last decade, e-commerce has become a vital part of the global economy, and Latvia as a strategic location can contribute to the development of transponder e‑commerce between China and the European countries. I believe that the launch of this hub creates a wonderful opportunity for the Latvian companies to increase their exports to China, improve their sales volumes and develop more extensive cooperation with a larger number of countries and traders,” underlined Andris Ozols, the Director of LIAA.
Ninbo plays a major role in the development of Chinese trans-border e-commerce and has already accumulated a lot of experience in this area. It means that Latvia has found a reputable and experienced partner. On the other hand, China sees a potential for a sizeable logistics hub in Latvia. “We have to use the local advantages and strengthen our cooperation. Latvia is an excellent place for a goods transit hub for the entire Eastern European and Central European market. We have to join our efforts to facilitate trade in the entire region,” believes Qin Gang, Chairman of the Board of SIA "Latvia E-commerce Hub".
The China (Ninbo) - Latvia trans-border e-commerce hub aims not only to facilitate imports of Chinese goods, but also to ensure fast and efficient bilateral movement of goods. The first container shipped from the Port of Riga is a testament to just that. Further plans by the developers behind the e-commerce hub involve convenient digital platforms for businesses to make trade as simple and as accessible as possible.