English
At the meeting with entrepreneurs Ainārs Šlesers, the Freeport of Riga Chairman of Board, pointed out the most urgent problems the companies located in the port territory should pay attention to: make more efficient use of the company rented territory; search for opportunities of entering into long-term cooperation agreements; develop financing of the European Union funds, as well as make use of the free economic zone status.
Šlesers`s call to meet with representatives of the port companies had an unexpectedly eager response; during the meeting a productive discussion developed with the Freeport of Riga Chairman of Board, who this time also represented the Riga City Council. Analyzing the current situation Šlesers pointed out: “There are opportunities for business expansion and activation in the port territory. One of the prospective projects is the development of the new business park at the northern end of Spilve meadows, where the infrastructure needs to be developed, inter alia, continuing the initiated cooperation with the State Joint Stock Company Latvijas dzelzceļš concerning the development of Bolderāja 2 railway station. However, the current lessees should also reconsider the amount of their activities and their business plans to avoid the leased territories lying idle. Land in the Port of Riga is too valuable to take the liberty of not using it.” Long-term agreements with cargo owners are necessary for sustainable development plans; however, in this respect the port companies are nowhere near to an optimum situation. In the coming years such situation shall be attained, when at least half of the port activities are justified by long-term cooperation agreements.
The EU funds are also available for improvement of the port infrastructure, therefore no delay is admissible – appropriate projects shall be developed and submitted for consideration and allocation of financing. Right now is a very suitable period for implementation of projects: financing is available, even banks consider granting of co-financing more loyally; another advantage is the comparatively low construction costs.
Being asked about the probable support to entrepreneurs A. Šlesers observed: “Since I have been the head of the Ministry of Transport for quite a long time I know the needs of the port entrepreneurs. For my part, I can facilitate faster consideration of documents and decision making process concerning issues both in the competence of the Riga City Council, and the Freeport of Riga administration. You may count on my support.”
