“Lithuania and Japan have a high potential for economic cooperation. The convenient geographic location of the Port of Klaipėda ensures a direct access to European markets, and the Port’s infrastructure which is being developed will allow receiving the largest ships in the Baltic Sea in the nearest future. New opportunities for the businesses of both countries and investments are also opened up by the strategic projects Rail Baltica and Via Baltica being implemented in Lithuania,” says Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Loreta Maskaliovienė.
Today, the representatives of Japanese companies were acquainted with the advantages and capacity of the Port of Klaipėda, the economic indicators of the Port were discussed, as well as the loading capacities and the essential Port expansion projects currently being implemented. While on tour on the hydrographic vessel Lotas, which was organised during the visit, together with the heads and representatives of the largest companies operating in the Port of Klaipėda, the delegation familiarised with the activities of the loading companies operating in the Port, their specifics, logistical issues, unexploited possibilities to successfully develop mutual business relations. The delegation of Japanese businessmen was also acquainted with the carrier-storage vessel of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal Independence.
“We value Japan as a strategic partner of Lithuania in Asia, thus we want to strengthen bilateral cooperation. We hope that this country’s businessmen, who visited the Port today, will bring the message of the Port of Klaipėda being a perfect place for investment, conducting business and participating in different phases of project development. Synergy in the area of transport and logistics is still unexploited,” says Algis Latakas, Director General of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
Japan is one of the largest producers of cars, electronics, machines and equipment, steel and non-ferrous metal, ships, chemicals, textiles and food in the world. Lithuania can offer to Japan the use of an integrated transport and logistics system and the services of intermodal terminals, cooperation in implementing the expansion of the Port of Klaipėda.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Japan.
