"The sector's businesses welcome the convocation of the transit sector commission in the new lineup, as it is clear to everyone that we must seek new ways to enliven the sector," Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications Kadri Simson said in a press release. "While it's easy to lose market share, what has been lost in ten years cannot be restored in one year. But I do see that the new government is ready to take steps to help our transit businesses operate more successfully."

Simson, who convenee the meeting of the transit commission, said it is necessary for the government to listen to advice from the sector's leading forces. She said that Estonia needs to move from east-west transit more toward north-south transit and described the Rail Baltic project as important in this regard, as it will open up new and faster opportunities for the shipment of freight by rail.

"There was a lot of talk at today's meeting about China and tapping into the potential of that country," noted the minister. "It was good to see that transit businesses are ready for cooperation and are agreeing to seek solutions together with the government."

The governmental transit commission, which was set up as an advisory body with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications in 2003, had not met in over seven years.

The commission includes the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (MTA), the Technical Regulatory Authority, the Maritime Administration, the Logistics and Transit Association and the Estonian Association of International Motor Transport Companies as well as the businesses Estonian Railways, Port of Tallinn, Rail Baltic Estonia, EVR Cargo, Sillamäe Sadam, Alexela Oil, VOPAK E.O.S, E.R.S, and Kuhne + Nagel.

It is scheduled to meet again in July.