Economic Cooperation Between Latvia and China on the Background of Belt and Road Initiative with Focus on Cargo Potential

Abstract

Latvia is a Belt and Road Initiative country and can contribute to its Eurasian Land Bridge. The existing railway infrastructure can be used for establishing the Eurasian Land Bridge Northern Branch via Latvia, but the problem is a lack of cargo for this route. It can be integrated into the existing Eurasian Land Bridge with specialization to connect China and some European countries—the Scandinavian countries. The aim of the study is to assess the potential volume of Latvian cargo for the Eurasian Land Bridge Northern Branch through Latvia. The methods of the study are statistical analyses and the forecasts of experts. Forecast of experts is an innovative method for investigating this topic. The study contributes to the discussion regarding One Belt One Road and Eurasian Land Bridge. The research shows that it is possible to establish regular container block train between Latvia and China for distribution of Chinese goods in the Scandinavian countries and vice versa because cargo potential for this route is growing, the seaport of Riga in Latvia is the shortest route to the seaport in the European Union and previous demonstration trains were successful.