An agreement to study the feasibility of this initiative was reached during the working visit of a BUCE delegation to Liepaja (Latvia) on January 30, 2018. BUCE representatives visited Liepaja port, met with top managers of local logistics and trading companies, held talks with the officials from Liepaja Mayor’s Office. Sales of Belarusian timber via BUCE topped the agenda of the talks. According to Arkadiy Salikov, BUCE Chairman, Belarusian suppliers execute the majority of transactions on FCA or DAF terms. “While it is convenient for Belarusian sellers, potential buyers from Europe, Middle East and Asia are interested in purchasing timber on FOB or CIF terms. Belarusian wood processing companies are unable to ship their goods on these terms”. Mr. Salikov believes that this problem can be addressed by creating a brokerage and logistics center in Liepaja port. “Backed by BUCE, this organization could provide matching services to Belarusian sellers and foreign buyers while also taking care of logistics and transportation”, Arkadiy Salikov said.

Uldis Sesks, Liepaja Mayor, supported BUCE’s proposal and gave instructions to discuss the issue with all stakeholders and study the feasibility of this project. In this respect Girts Kronbergs, Liepaja Vice-Mayor for investment and tourism, added that the meeting was very successful. “We presented Liepaja’s industrial, investment, and logistics potential, discussed opportunities for Belarusian companies and identified a clear short-term goal – to develop and effective platform for trade and economic cooperation with Belarus based on Liepaja port infrastructure. I have no doubts that all the parties involved will benefit from this project”, concluded Girts Kronbergs.