Transport Infrastructure and Logistics

High-level Group on Transports for Sustainable Growth in the Baltic Sea Region

A crucial element for economic prosperity and growth in the Baltic Sea Region is the existence and dynamic development of a coherent and intelligent transport system combined with a well developed infrastructure. Therefore the High-level Group on Transports for Sustainable Growth in the Baltic Sea Region was formed at the 2006 Helsinki summit to overcome national short-term interests and focus on the economic development potential of the region as a whole.

Currently, many businesses are suffering because of numerous bottlenecks in the regions transportation system. These bottlenecks can only be addressed trough cross-boarder solutions and investments in logistics and transportation should therefore be increased. Thus, a common vision and joint action in the transport sector is needed. This is the ambition of the High-level Group, which will help identify bottlenecks and weak links that are currently hampering economic development in the region.

Baltic Development Forum takes active part in co-ordinating the High-level Group in close cooperation with Mr. Chairman Uno Aldegren, representing Region Skåne and former chairman of BSSSC.

“We clearly need a broader, transnational and regional approach to solve many of the transport and logistic issues.” - Lauri Ojala at the 2006 Helsinki Summit

Objectives of the High-level Group

• Reduce the distances within the Baltic Sea Region.
  This means to a great extent that we need improved communications in the east-westerly direction. We need a wide range of measures to meet different kinds of demands such as “just in time” transports of valuable refined goods, to rather cheap passenger transports. It is crucial that the Baltic Sea Region becomes more compact and that the sea transports are clearly seen as an asset and not an obstacle.
• The Baltic Sea Region has to come closer to the central European market.
  This is partly an issue regarding the north-southerly transport routes Via Baltica and Femer Belt, which’s development have to be encouraged and pushed further. The Baltic Sea regional southward connections must become much more efficient. In our globalised world many new markets have opened up but Europe will remain the most important in a foreseeable future.
• Strengthen the communications between the Baltic Sea Region Metropoles. 
  The Baltic Sea Region calls for closer cooperation and inter-linked metropolitan areas to reach common understanding and visions for the development and growth of the region.
• Strengthen the Euro-Asian communications.
  The trade with China and the other “Asian Tigers” is growing rapidly day by day. The Baltic Sea Region holds in this view a great potential as a strong market for trade and investments.

The High-level Group is composed of approximately 15 dedicated and high-level representatives from national ministries, large corporations and representatives of pan-Baltic, regional organisations and meets once a year.

Next meeting

The next High-level Group meeting will be arranged back to back with the Tallinn Summit at 14.30-16.30 on November 6th. The meeting is a closed arrangement.

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