Priorities for

1. Investment in the elements of T.E.N;
2. Ensuring stable growth of volume of  transit freight;
3. Development of distribution and logistics centres;
4. Increase in value-added for cargo.

 With the accession to the European Union, considerable EU funds became available for Latvia to develop transport infra-structure. From the pre-accession fund ISPA Latvia has been allocated an average of 24 mil. EUR per year during the period from 2000 to 2006, whereas after the 1st May 2004 Latvia can apply for financing from the Cohesion Fund up to the amount of approximately 60 mil. EUR per year, and from the European Regional Development Fund (ERAF) - 30 mil. EUR per year.

According to the EU, the main goal that must be achieved in the use these funds is to promote a balanced development of the EU regions. Therefore the resources of EU funds are to be invested in projects which promote the growth of the whole country, by integrating Latvia’s transport infra-structure in the united EU transport system. In the field of transport, with the resources of the ISPA and Cohesion Funds, development of infra-structure included in the Trans-European transport network (TEN-T) is supported: major State motorways, East – West railway corridor, the Rail Baltica route, and the three largest ports and airports.  ERAF funds will be invested in the development of infra-structure which is outside the TEN-T network.  

It is regarded that that one of the most important issues for promoting  Latvia’s ports and SEZs is the development of logistics and distribution centres focused on attracting freight from Asia and the Far East. Latvia can serve as a distribution centre for cargo from Asian countries (e.g. China, Korea) not only in the Baltic States but also with equally successful results in Russia and the CIS countries. This is assured by the advantageous geographical location of Latvia; it’s modern, well-equipped port terminals; State support for the development of infrastructure to logistic centres; qualitative operated customs warehouses and offered tax concessions.