Minister Daniel Papazov and Commissioner Siim Kallas took part in the International Conference of Seaports
31.05.2013
By the end of the year we should have a detailed plan for the development of maritime and river ports in Bulgaria, said the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications, Daniel Papazov, in a joint press conference with Vice-President of the European Commission and Transport Commissioner, Siim Kallas. The event was part of the International Conference of Seaports, which was held in Varna in the period May 30 – 31.
“It is about time we find territory for expansion of the ports of Burgas and Varna” said Minister Papazov. According to him, on the one hand, this will relieve the central part of these cities, and on the other, it can create conditions for their long-term development. "The relationship between ports and other modes of transport, especially rail, which is a priority for the European Union, is very important", Daniel Papazov added. According to him, in the years to come, road infrastructure will be overloaded and Europe can be expecting an increase of the volume of cargo on Rhine - Main - Danube as well as on rail. This is why our country must take firm steps to develop.
Minister Papazov emphasized that there is an imbalance in the development of northern and eastern ports in the European port system. This is not only a challenge for the future development of the Bulgarian ports, but also an opportunity for the EU to open markets in the East. The growing volume of cargo traffic through the Black Sea to Europe increases the importance of the Danube as a strategic transport corridor. In this context, the Bulgarian government will focus its efforts on the development and modernization of the Bulgarian ports and make them effective competitive European hubs.
Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas said that the future developments will involve improving the connectivity of the ports to other modes of transport. According to him, the modernization of the port environment will help foster their development as economic agents that can offer better services to their clients.
* European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) - brings together stakeholders to influence the shaping of EU policies to achieve secure, efficient and environmentally sound seaport sector - a key element in the transport business where free market forces prevail. ESPO is the organizer or co-organizer of all the major and prestigious international events in the field of maritime transport and port affairs. The organization actively cooperates with the European Commission in the discussion, formulation and implementation of directives and regulations related to the field of maritime transport and port development. Full members, on the principle of national representation, are all states that have seaports.
This was the first time the traditional annual conference European seaports takes place in the Black Sea region in the 20 years history of the organization. In the two days of the event, representatives of port authorities, port operators and other interested parties related to maritime business and regional development discussed opportunities for promoting competitiveness via the mechanisms of partnership and joint initiatives. Particular issues that were discussed at the forum include integration of ports infrastructure corridors, marketing and promotion of port areas, development strategies. |