Latvia Boosts Regional Business Development

Investment and export missions ramp up to support sustainable growth.

Latvia is sharpening its focus on regional business development as a cornerstone of economic sustainability, aiming to provide comprehensive support to companies across the nation, regardless of their location.

Strategic Meeting in Jelgava

On July 3rd, representatives from Latvia’s Ministry of Economics, leaders from the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), and regional coordinators convened at LIAA’s Jelgava office. They gathered to assess the performance and strategic importance of LIAA’s regional offices.

The discussions highlighted crucial points for upcoming operational activities, with a strong emphasis on enhancing support for local businesses and attracting investment.

Minister Emphasizes Regional Role

During the meeting, Viktors Valainis, the Minister of Economics, emphasized the crucial role regional representatives play in implementing LIAA’s ongoing reforms. He stated, “The active work of regional representatives is essential for LIAA’s transformation. Regional business development is the foundation of a sustainable economy. Our goal is to ensure that every company in Latvia—regardless of location—receives the support it needs to grow, export, and attract investment.”

Notably, LIAA’s regional offices are now taking a more proactive approach in engaging with existing businesses and potential investors. These offices are implementing initiatives designed to improve the environment for entrepreneurship, exports, innovation, and investment, working closely with industry and regional partners.

Increased Engagement and Support

Ieva Jāgere, Director of LIAA, noted the significant growth in the role of LIAA’s regional offices this year. “This year, the role of LIAA’s regional offices has grown significantly. Since March, we’ve held over 320 meetings with both foreign and domestic companies to identify investment opportunities, understand business needs, and provide tailored support. Our goal is to be present, work closely with municipalities, and support sustainable investment attraction in the regions,” she said.

From March to July, LIAA conducted 321 meetings with companies, identifying business needs and collaboration opportunities aligned with state support programs. Of these meetings, 243 were in Latvian regions and 49 in Riga, with 43 specifically dedicated to post-investment service for existing investors.

Moreover, 42 municipalities have engaged with LIAA representatives to explore integrating their strategies into local development plans and investment attraction efforts.

Regional Representation

In April, LIAA’s Jelgava office became the location for the first permanent regional representation of the Ministry of Economics. This move reinforces the state presence and fosters closer collaboration with regional businesses and investors. The office now serves as a hub for long-term public-private partnerships in the Zemgale region.

As part of these efforts, Latvia is actively courting foreign investment. A recent report indicated that greenfield investments in Latvia rose by 20% in the last year, signaling growing investor confidence (FDI Intelligence 2024).

Upcoming International Mission to Germany

The meeting also involved preparations for a significant international investment and export mission to Germany, scheduled from September 24 to 26. Evika Siliņa, the Prime Minister, and Viktors Valainis, the Economics Minister, will lead the mission. Latvian entrepreneurs are invited to participate, with registration open until July 16 via business.gov.lv. The mission aims to foster cooperation with companies in Hamburg and Rostock, with key sectors including ICT, defense, biotech, and smart energy.

Participation in these international visits is supported by the EU co-funded Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Program for SMEs, through the European Regional Development Fund and state funding.

Latvia and Germany Bolster Cooperation in Education

Focus includes phasing out Russian language instruction, promoting AI.

Educational and scientific collaboration between Latvia and Germany is set to deepen. Discussions centered around strengthening ties in education, science, and research during a recent meeting between officials.

Key Partnership Areas

The Latvian Minister of Education and Science, Dace Melbārde, met with the German Ambassador to Latvia, Gudrun Masloch, on July 1st to discuss furthering cooperation. Melbārde emphasized Germany’s critical role in bolstering German language programs in Latvian schools and fostering university research collaboration.

Furthermore, Melbārde noted Germany’s contribution to Latvia’s education reform, which aims to phase out Russian as a second foreign language in favor of EU or EEA official languages by 2030. According to the European Commission, promoting multilingualism is a key policy, with all EU citizens encouraged to learn at least two languages in addition to their mother tongue (European Commission).

“We greatly appreciate the support of the German Embassy and the Goethe-Institut in providing teacher training and educational materials for German language instruction,” said Melbārde.

Vocational Training and Language Studies

Latvia’s focus on aligning vocational curricula with labor market demands has identified Germany as a crucial partner for knowledge and skills transfer. The meeting also highlighted the value of cooperation in vocational education.

The Interdisciplinary Center for German Language Studies at the University of Latvia received special mention. It will function as an international hub in the Baltic region and the German-speaking world while supporting teacher training initiatives.

Strategic Goals and AI Development

Minister Melbārde reiterated Latvia’s strategic objective of joining CERN by 2027. She voiced strong interest in expanding cooperation with Germany in artificial intelligence. “AI development is essential both for the EU’s global competitiveness and for the growth of Latvia’s science and economy,” she stated.

Higher Education and Future Collaboration

The increasing appeal of Latvian universities to German students was another topic of discussion. German nationals accounted for 6.5% of international students in Latvia in 2025, with Riga Stradiņš University being a particularly favored destination.

Minister Melbārde expressed gratitude for Germany’s ongoing support and optimism regarding future collaboration, concluding that “Our joint initiatives are a model of how education, science, and innovation can form the foundation of a more secure and united Europe.”

Latvia Bolsters Security with Airport Funding

The Latvian government is providing financial support to an airport, strengthening its defense infrastructure. This initiative is designed to enhance the nation’s ability to respond quickly during emergencies, especially along its coastline.

Funds Allocated for Public Services

The Latvian Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal from the Ministry of Defense to allocate €100,000 in co-financing to the Aviasabiedrība “Liepāja” Ltd. This will assist the provision of public interest services related to civil-military cooperation, according to reports.

The funding will cover operational expenses associated with essential services like search and rescue operations, medical air transport, and humanitarian logistics. Pilot training flights supporting military and civil-military functions are also included.

Strategic Importance of the Liepāja Airfield

The Liepāja airfield serves a critical role as a backup aviation support point for Latvia’s National Armed Forces, alongside the Ventspils airfield. Its use is critical in decreasing response times during urgent search and rescue missions along Latvia’s western coast.

“The funding will ensure the airport is ready for dual-use operations, both military and civilian,”

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Latvia’s commitment to national security is evident. The nation’s military spending has increased by 10% in the last year (NATO 2024).

Agreement Details

This support is based on an existing tripartite agreement between the Ministry of Defense, the Liepāja municipal government, and the airport authority. The agreement outlines the airport’s obligations to provide public-interest services and defines the financial compensation mechanism.

By allocating these funds, Latvia is actively reinforcing its security framework. This ensures preparedness for a variety of operations, encompassing both military and civilian needs.