RIGA, Feb 1 (LETA) - The Saeima national economy, rural, regional and environment committee in the third reading supported amendments to the bill to the law on ports, changing administration model for Ventspils and Riga ports.

The legislative amendments stipulate that Riga and Ventspils ports will be turned into state-owned companies.

Saeima might hear the bill in the third reading on February 10. 

In both ports, the state will hold not less than 60 percent stake, and local governments - not more than 40 percent stake. 

According to the amendments, the Ministries of Transport, Finance, Economics and Environmental Protection and Regional Development would be holding shares in the port companies on behalf of the state. The Transport Ministry will hold a 40 percent stake, and the Ministries of Finance, Economics, as well as Environmental Protection and Regional Development would each hold 20 percent in the state capital companies.

Private companies operating at the ports will be offered to join consultative councils of the ports' authorities, which will enable the companies to get involved in the ports' development and maintain dialog with the ports' authorities.