Artis Pabriks: "Co-operation between the Baltic states and Nordic countries should be enhanced in the areas of innovation, research and support of exports"

Addressing the Conference Nordic Market: From Export to Transnational Cluster Co-operation on 22 March 2007, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks emphasized that co-operation between the Baltic states and Nordic countries should be enhanced in the areas of innovation, research and support of exports.

"In view of the considerable experience and achievements of the Nordic countries in these areas, I consider that co-operation with the Nordic Council of Ministers will facilitate both the creation of a common educational space for the Baltic states and Nordic countries and ensure the availability of new, modern technologies to Latvian companies, thus promoting growth and competitiveness of the Baltic Sea Region", said Minister Pabriks.

Mr Pabriks expressed his appreciation of the contacts successfully established among small and medium sized companies in Latvia and Nordic countries within the NordProLink programme, and which have promoted the exchange of experience and implementation of new projects.

Minister Pabriks noted that the Nordic countries are represented in all branches of the Latvian economy: Sweden mainly in banking and finance; Finland - in industrial equipment, forestry and logistics; Denmark - in transport and logistics; Norway - in real estate; and Iceland - in the food industry. The role of the Nordic countries in the economic development of the Baltic states since the regaining of independence is invaluable.

Mr Pabriks considers that an increase in the role of the Baltic states within the framework of co-operation of the Nordic Council of Ministers would attest to the equal partnership of eight countries. Minister Pabriks also emphasized the beneficial geographical position of Latvia, which serves as a gate between Eastern and Western markets. This is ensured by three ice-free ports and rail lines that are linked with the Russian railway system and are suitable for carrying large volume cargos.

Minister Pabriks emphasized that the common projects of the Baltic states and Nordic countries can serve as an example of regional co-operation. He expressed a hope that this co-operation would become ever stronger and that the region would become one of the most developed and competitive regions in the European Union and throughout the world.

(end of text)