Riga Port Group JSC (RPG) today has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with China Road and Bridge Cooperation (CRBC), that marks a significant step forward in the development of the Port of Riga. During a multi-day visit to Riga, the CRBC management team explored the port's operations and assessed its infrastructure development and construction plans.
Under the Memorandum, RPG and CRBC will jointly develop a logistics center on Krievu sala. This center will focus on the production of electric vehicles, renewable energy equipment, and related components. Additionally, the partnership will focus on creating a logistics and industrial park on Kundzinsala. To ensure the successful implementation of these ambitious projects, a transnational working group will be established, which over the coming year will finalize the cooperation model, prioritize and start the execution of the projects.
Ansis Zeltiņš, Manager of the Freeport of Riga, remarked: "As the stevedores at the Port of Riga increasingly diversify their operations away from Russian-origin cargo, it is crucial to attract new manufacturing companies directly to the port. By streamlining the logistics chain, manufacturers can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their goods distribution. The Port of Riga has great potential for development, given both the available land for development and the existing infrastructure."
Miķelis Lapše, Chairman of the Board of RPG, stated: "We are delighted to have signed the Memorandum of Cooperation with CRBC. This marks an important first step toward successful collaboration in developing industrial and logistics parks within the Port of Riga for both Latvian and Chinese companies. As cargo flows from Russia and Belarus decline, our focus is shifting towards global manufacturers whose products are traded worldwide. The Port of Riga offers an ideal environment for efficiently organizing their production processes."
The European Union's (EU) Green Deal objectives are crucial for all EU Member States, with the overarching goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This includes substantial emission reductions across agriculture, manufacturing, and transport sectors. The new logistics centers on Krievu Island and Kundzinsala will play a significant role in advancing these goals, contributing to a more sustainable future.
About the Participants in the Memorandum of Cooperation
Riga Port Group (RPG) is a leading provider of port assets and rail-related services within the Port of Riga. RPG's subsidiaries offer stevedoring services on both banks of the Daugava River, playing a vital role in the port's operations and logistics.
China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) is a global construction company specializing in the development of major infrastructure and logistics projects worldwide, including bridges, port infrastructure, and highways. Notably, CRBC was the first Chinese company to secure a contract through a public procurement process for an EU-funded infrastructure project—the 2.4 km Pelješac Bridge in Croatia. While CRBC has established a presence in over sixty countries, it has yet to expand into the Nordic region.
Photo from the signing of the Memorandum:
Photo 1. from the right:
Jūlija Bērziņa, Member of the Board of Riga Port Group, Miķelis Lapše, Chairman of the Board of Riga Port Group, Zhang Xiaoyuan, Deputy Director General of China Road and Bridge Corporation.
Photo 2 from the right: representatives of the Latvian and Chinese partners, as well as the Freeport of Riga Manager Ansis Zeltins and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Latvia His Excellency Mr Tang Songgen.