Hamburg strengthens relations with Byelorussia
A delegation from the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, headed by Dr. Torsten Sevecke, Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Economics, Transport and Innovation, with representatives of Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), Hamburg Invest, Hamburg port enterprises and Port of Hamburg Marketing (HHM) has visited Byelorussia, to strengthen economic relations. In Minsk, Ingo Egloff, Joint CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing, and Nikolai Gorbel, Chairman of the Byelorussian Association of International Forwarders (BAIF), signed a Memorandum of Understanding for further deepening their cooperation on freight transport to and from the Port of Hamburg.
The Port of Hamburg and the Byelorussian transport sector aim to exchange market-related data, promote dealings between the markets with joint marketing activities, and cooperate on developing and implementing logistics projects. “Byelorussia is a steadily growing partner in the Port of Hamburg’s hinterland and a significant transit country on the New Silk Road. Our partnership is of great importance for us,” said Ingo Egloff, Joint CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing.
HHM has cultivated intensive relations with representatives of the Byelorussian transport/logistics sector and political circles since 2011. Cooperation commenced under the Amber Coast Logistics project co-financed by the EU. The contacts built up during the project have continued to flourish since its completion in 2014. HHM is a regular guest at the annual Byelorussian Transport Week in October, where its active participation includes lectures.
Hamburg is a significant export port for the Byelorussian economy, primarily scoring with its superb rail infrastructure. Byelorussia for its part is a key player on the New Silk Road rail route between China and Hamburg. Near Minsk, the Great Stone Industrial Park should in future play a central role. Following initial settlements by industry, construction of a rail hub is planned as the next step.
For the representatives of Hamburg business, intensive discussions with the Ministry of Transport and state-run Byelorussian Railways produced additional insights into the opportunities for cooperation. “On account of its important role and location on the New Silk Road, Byelorussia offers immense potential for closer cooperation with Port of Hamburg,” stressed Marina Basso Michael, HHM’s Head of Market Development for the Baltic Region and Eastern Europe.