TALLINN/VILNIUS – From 8 to 10 November, the Transport Community Permanent Secretariat conducted a study visit to the Baltic countries, Estonia and Lithuania, to explore cutting-edge digital solutions and logistics practices related to e-freight. The study visit delegation, comprising representatives from the Western Balkans Regional Partners, three observing participants (Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine), CEFTA, and the Transport Community Permanent Secretariat, visited prominent institutions in Estonia and Lithuania, gaining insights into the advancements shaping the future of freight transport.
The visit commenced in Estonia, with a kick-off session at the EY Baltic providing an extensive overview of e-freight deployment in the EU and the specific initiatives undertaken in the Baltic region. The delegation then proceeded to the renowned E-Estonia showroom for a comprehensive presentation on digital innovations in the country.
The next stop was at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia, where the participants explored topics such as the e-state introduction, real-time economy, and Estonia’s experience in implementing electronic Freight Transport Information (e-FTI). The day concluded with a presentation of the Digital Logistics Center of Excellence, shedding light on the practicalities of e-FTI implementation.
The delegation’s first presentation in Lithuania was by the State Tax Inspectorate, focusing on the technical enablement of e-FTI Regulation and sharing best practices in the realm of digital logistics.
Subsequently, the Transport Innovation Association (TIA) provided valuable insights into Lithuanian e-logistics practices and showcased innovative startups, particularly those offering customs brokerage services. The Customs Department of Lithuania wrapped up the day by presenting SEED testing, addressing EU and non-EU scenarios, and responding to various pertinent questions.
The concluding day involved a wrap-up session hosted by the EY Baltic, summarising the lessons learned during the study visit. The delegation engaged in discussions about the next steps in deploying e-FTI in the Western Balkans, leveraging the valuable experiences and practices witnessed during the exploratory tour.
The visit to the Baltic countries not only fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange but also showcased the potential for digital transformation in the realm of freight transport. As the Transport Community looks to apply these insights to the Western Balkans, this exploratory visit is a step towards enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of transportation in the region.
