The project of bridge systems between the west and east shores of the Caspian Sea requires an in-depth study

Caspian Energy (CE): Your Excellency, Kazakhstan is one of the largest regional markets among the Caspian region countries. What advantages do you see in this for the growth of the investment potential and turnover between the two countries, as well as between the Central Asian and Baltic region in general? In which sectors do you see a key potential? 

Jurijs Pogrebnyak, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Kazakhstan: Our bilateral economy is developing steadily. There are no serious failures, neither is an economic breakthrough. In the first half of 2018, the volume of the bilateral trade reduced by 2.34% as compared to the same period of 2017. It means that we don’t use the entire potential of the trade-economic cooperation. A more diversified export market will help Kazakhstan to increase trade flows and at the same time ensure sustainability towards the econo­mic shocks. Organization of transit and logistical services, vehicular and railway transportation, air transportation, cooperation in introduction of digital and green technologies, as well as traditional sectors such as food products, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and tourism are prospects of cooperation between Latvia and the region. Cooperation in the field of higher education is another promising area. 

We are particularly pleased that a direct regular air flight has been opened between Latvia and Kazakhstan. Since April 29 the airBaltic company has started making regular flights between Riga and Almaty three times a week (in summer season).