OREANDA-NEWS. June 25, 2010. Minister of Economic Development of Karelia Mikhail Yurinov has taken part in the traditional annual meeting with the management of port of the Finnish town of Oulu. Matters at the meeting concerned prospects of transport infrastructure development in North Europe, as well as issues of cross-border cooperation between Russia and Finland.

Management of the port of Oulu has acquainted participants of the meeting with results of work of one of the largest sea terminals of Finland in 2009 and short-term plans of strategic development. During the discussion participants have exchanged opinions on stimulation of transport connection between Russia and North Europe through the territory of Karelia. Special attention at the meeting was also paid to strategically significant construction project of Byelomorsk seaport. On the plan of investors, it will be a competitive port complex to be constructed according to strict international ecological standards.

High degree of interest was caused by the project of organization of railway communication through Russia between China and North Europe. This idea was discussed recently by the Minister of Railways of China and representatives of corresponding departments of Sweden and Norway. Matters concerned the opportunity of constructing a long distance railway. The Chinese party shows interest in creation of such transport corridor.

Implementation of this large-scale project can become a serious stimulus for economy development, both for Russia, and for all countries of North Europe.