Large-scale infrastructure projects, primarily in the transport infrastructure sector, can become one of the key areas of cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Andrey Belyaninov, Chairman of the Management Board at the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), told the II International Financial and Economic Forum of CIS and Europe “Prague Business Meetings.”
“Investments in transboundary and national transport infrastructure are among the EDB’s priorities. Infrastructure accounts for some 50% of the Bank’s portfolio,” he said.
The China – EAEU – EU traffic is escalating. Transit has been almost doubling every year for the last five years. This area is of mutual interest to the EU and the EAEU.
“We are interested in that the advancement of transport and logistics infrastructure switches a part of transit from sea to land so that goods from China to Europe (and back) will be carried through the EAEU. This is a good business niche for logistics companies and railroads. Improving the effectiveness of land transport corridors in the EU – EAEU – China format should boost trade and create multiple production opportunities, as well as various supply chains,” Andrey Belyaninov stressed.
The head of the EDB pointed out that, to increase the throughput capacity of land transport corridors along the China – EAEU – EU axis and improve their competitiveness compared to sea routes, no mega projects are needed, but the debottlenecking of transport infrastructure, which requires limited investment.
“We should focus on business cooperation. The Eurasian Development Bank is ready to contribute to the building of cooperation in projects,” Andrey Belyaninov stated.
Original source: EDB
Published on 27 April 2018
