RIGA, Feb 19 (LETA) - More than EUR 89 million was invested from the European Union's Cohesion Fund in the development of Latvian ports from 2014 to 2020, the Transport Ministry told LETA.

With the co-financing provided by the Cohesion Fund, Ventspils Freeport Authority and Liepaja Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Authority are implementing projects that significantly improve the level of security in Latvia's major ports - they are rebuilding and renovating piers, breakwaters, making fairway improvements.

Funding has also been invested in the development of port transport infrastructure - construction of roads and rail tracks and related infrastructure, and in construction of engineering networks.

Andris Maldups, Director of the Transit Policy Department of the Transport Ministry, pointed out that the EU was setting ever higher targets for the transport sector and achieving them was important for Latvia, as national ports, roads and railways were important part of European transport infrastructure and national economy.

During the previous planning period, Liepaja SEZ Authority was implementing three projects that received EUR 32.3 million from the Cohesion Fund. The largest project dealt with Liepaja Port Water Infrastructure improvements. Liepaja also received EUR 24.2 million from the Cohesion Fund for implementation of maritime safety measures.

In the meantime, reconstruction of access roads to the Freeport of Ventspils commenced in 2017 and will continue until end-2023. Port wharves, terminals and industrial zones are being upgraded, as well as streets, access roads, piers, and others.