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The Republic of Slovenia is positioning itself to be a gateway to Central and Southeast Europe, despite being up against stiff competition from other Mediterranean ports that have the same goal, according to Igor Jakomin, State Secretary of the republic's Ministry of Transport.
As part of a trade delegation to Hong Kong, Jakomin stressed that the Port of Koper on the Adriatic Sea offers a viable alternative to the better-known ports of Hamburg and Rotterdam with shorter sailing times from Hong Kong coupled with shorter overland distances to major European centres.
"We are the closest port to reach the European continent. From Hong Kong to Koper, you need 16 days. In comparison with the main two ports in the northern part of Europe - Rotterdam and Hamburg - we are closer destination by more than four days," Jakomin said.
Ships sailing to Koper from other origin points in Asia can see savings of seven to ten days. He added that the capital cities of Vienna, Munich, Budapest and Bratislava could be reached from the port in less than a day.
The republic is also in the process of upgrading its roads and railways networks. Slovenia has around 580km of motorways and 1050km of trunk roads with extensions to the motorway network scheduled for completion in 2013. The modernisation of the railways it set to be completed over the next five years.
"Without good land infrastructure the maritime logistics sector cannot be developed," said Jakomin.
Furthermore, the port of Kopa, which currently has 11 terminals, has plans for the construction of a new pier. "I hope we will pass over all the administrative obstacle and launch the project before the end of this year," he said.
Hong Kong and Slovenia are already strong trading partners, and total exports from Hong Kong to Slovenia increased by 24 percent to US$17 million in the first quarter of 2010.
Cargonews Asia
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