Latvia offers Kazakhstan use of its ports to ship goods to Europe

ALMATY. May 19 (Interfax) - Latvia has offered the use of its ports for Kazakh freight shipments to Europe.

"Latvia is ready to provide comprehensive assistance and port infrastructure to Kazakhstan for freight delivery to the Scandinavian countries and Europe," the Kazakh National Economy Ministry said following a meeting between Latvia's new transport minister, Janis Vitenbergs, and Kazakh National Economy Minister Alibek Kuantirov.

Kuantirov stressed Latvia's role as one of Kazakhstan's key partners in the Baltic region.

"The current geopolitical situation has changed the geography and direction of supply chains. The redistribution of commodity flows led to high growth in foreign trade last year. In this context, the role of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, designed to diversify the freight routes from Kazakhstan to Europe and ensure fast delivery of goods, is growing," he said.

Vitenbergs said Latvia was interested in strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation with Kazakhstan.

Trade between Kazakhstan and Latvia last year amounted to $216 million, an increase of 250% from 2021. Exports increased 400% to $182 million and imports grew 40.7% to $161 million.

There are three major seaports in Latvia - Riga, Ventspils and Liepaja. They boosted cargo transshipment 15.2% in to 48.078 million tonnes in 2021.