Latvia invited to participate in the new logistics operator including Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus

The working group for creation of a united logistic operator of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus is holding negotiations with Latvijas dzelzcels (the Latvian Railways) about its participation in the JV, reports Interfax referring to a source close to the working group.
According to the source, the operator of container stations of Latvijas dzelzcels and terminals in the Riga port may be given as assets to the joint venture. “These assets would allow creating a real through service of transit cargo transportation between Europe and Asia,” the source said.
The idea to launch an international logistic operator appeared in early 2012. The logistic company would allow taking about 2% of the container flow between Europe and Asia, Vladimir Yakunin, RZD’s President, said recently.  According to the Russian press, the set up of the operator is estimated at USD 2 Billion and each state will make available the freight containers and terminals. Russian Railways (RZD) could ensure a share of 50% plus one in its container operator, TransContainer, while Belarus and Kazakhstan will pay for their participation with assets or cash, if necessary.
It is estimated that the national Kazakh operator, KTZ, will have a 100% participation of its container operator Kaztransservis and a 33% participation of its logistics company Kedentransservis (KTS). TransContainer holds the rest of the KTS shares.
Also, Belarus will participate with its terminal in Brest and with around 3,000 flat wagons.
The new logistics company could begin its activity in October-December, Belarus Minister of Transport Ivan Shcherbo announced in June. The minister said that Belarus is interested in this project as it doesn’t want to lose the freight volumes shipped to Europe by Kazakhstan, as it could be carried via St. Petersburg.