Interview with Vitaly Hohla: Architect of Baltic Logistics
Aleksanders Jemeljanovs (A.J.), Chairman of the Hotulanus Business Club:
A.J.: Vitaly, I am pleased to welcome you to our business club's website. You are one of our club's leading experts in the field of transport and logistics. Your experience spans almost two decades, including work in railways and international freight transport. Today, you are a logistics specialist at SIA "SB Transport" and an active member of the political party "Partija "ZZS"". But I would like to start with philosophy. What does it mean to you to be a successful manager and specialist in the logistics industry?
Vitaly Hohla, Baltic Logistics Architect
Vitaly Hohla (V.H.), Hotulanus expert:
V.H.: Thank you, Aleksandr. In my understanding, success in logistics is not just about speed and low prices. It is trust and predictability. My task as a specialist and manager is not only to transport cargo from point A to point B, but to create a whole supply chain architecture that is resistant to global problems. In our region, the Baltics, this means:
- Multimodality: An effective combination of ports, railways, and road transport.
- Digitalization: Reducing bureaucracy and increasing transparency.
- International cooperation: Building reliable relationships, especially with key partners such as Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Turkey. I firmly believe that logistics in Latvia can become one of the main sectors of economic growth if it is managed properly and reliable international relations are established.
Strength in cooperation: the role of Hotulanus
A.J.: You have been actively involved in organizing our main international events, such as round tables with Ukrainian entrepreneurs, as well as Latvian-Kazakh and American-Latvian-Kazakh B2B cooperation forums. What, in your opinion, is the main value of such meetings?
V.H.: The main principle of Hotulanus is "Making our environment strong." In the context of the global upheavals you mentioned, these are not just nice words, but a necessity. Our 2025 round table, which took place at the Extron Baltic port terminal, clearly showed that Latvia is not just a transport bridge, but a key hub for investment and exchange of experience between the West and Central Asia. Our forum with Kazakhstan and the US in 2025 highlighted two main themes: legal protection of investments and the Baltic region as a strategic transport hub. I believe that our strengths, which I am ready to reinforce, are:
- Establishing direct dialogue between business leaders and the authorities.
- Promoting multimodal solutions, especially for containers, grain, and metal from Central Asia.
- Developing warehouse outsourcing as a tool for Kazakh and US companies to access new EU markets.
These events demonstrate my strength as a public servant — the ability not only to talk about problems, but also to bring people together to solve them.
Manager's View: Optimism and Practice
A.J.: You mentioned the importance of reliable international relations. As an expert, how do you see Latvia's future in this geopolitical and economic landscape? What makes you so optimistic?
V.H.: My optimism is based on facts and our strategic advantages.
- Geographical location: We are located at a crossroads. We can offer our partners from Central Asia and the US a safe and short route to the EU.
- Language skills: I am fluent in Latvian, Russian, and Ukrainian, and I also speak English. This is not just a fact on my CV; it is a tool that allows me to conduct negotiations, build genuine contacts, and avoid misunderstandings, which are critical in logistics.
- Family and Team: I have three children, and I understand that I am working for their future in a strong, thriving Latvia. This gives me incredible motivation. At work, my strengths—the ability to work in a team and good communication skills—allow me to create effective work processes and, most importantly, develop partnerships.
Instead of seeing risks in investments and transit, I see enormous opportunities. We need to invest in the automation and digitization of our ports and terminals to make them competitive. Latvia can become not just a bridge, but an intelligent logistics center. I see this future, and I am ready to work for it.
A.J.: Vitaly, thank you for this candid conversation. Your practical experience, social activism, and strategic vision undoubtedly make you an invaluable member of our club. We wish you success in your work and in strengthening Latvia as a major logistics hub.
V.H.: Thank you, Aleksandr.