Annual training concluded for diplomats in charge of economics matters

From 16 to 20 June in Riga, the annual training took place for those diplomats of the Republic of Latvia in with responsibility for economic matters and for representatives abroad of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).The training included discussions on the means and ways for a successful advancement of Latvia's economic interests in foreign countries: the promotion of the Latvian goods export, raising the competitiveness of Latvian businesses on external markets, as well as the attraction of significant investments.

Participants of the training session acquainted themselves with information provided by the Bank of Latvia, the Ministry of Economy and by private financial institutions regarding the newest trends in Latvia's economy. The Minister of Economy, Kaspars Gerhards, briefed the trainees on the measures taken for the stabilization of the economy and joined the discussion regarding future co-operation [with representations] as well as on co-operation which needs to be developed with foreign countries.

During the panel discussion, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Environment and the joint stock company Latvenergo informed about current developments in energy policy.

Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Latvia and the Employers' Confederation of Latvia presented their point of view on the processes in Latvia's economy.

In association with the Ministry of Transport, a seminar was held on the topics of transport and logistics, and to review issues for the sector's development. The Minister of Transport, Ainars Slesers, noted the successful co-operation with embassies in the advancement of Latvia's interests in the fields of transport and logistics. The minister and the sector's representatives emphasized the need for an active co-operation in future, especially in attracting key players in the sector to the transit infrastructure of Latvia. During a meeting with representatives from the harbour and transit sector companies, diplomats debated concrete current co-operation projects.

With support from the Secretariat of Special Assignments Minister for Electronic Government Affairs (SSAMEGE), a seminar on electronic administration and the sector of information technology and telecommunications was held. The participants of the event learned detailed information on the establishment of e-government as a component of a favourable business environment that yields great significance on the attraction of foreign investment. Signe Balina, the Special Assignments Minister for Electronic Government Affairs, addressed the participants of the seminar. Also, businessmen and representatives of the Latvian IT cluster briefed on their operation and future prospects. The diplomats engaged in a lively debate on possible co-operation to improve the export capacity of the sector.

In order to acquire knowledge about company operation and to discuss the experience of their representatives on foreign markets and also the major obstacles for further growth of exports, the diplomats visited a/s Pūre Food, a/s Pūre Chocolate, a/s Sidrabe, and a/s GroGlass. The discussion with businessmen and representatives of co-operation organisations continued at a reception – contact forum - organised by the Foreign Ministry and LIAA and at a networking event held by the LIAA.

At present, 45 Latvian diplomatic missions operate abroad – 34 embassies, seven representations in international organisations, two consulates-general, and two consulates. At every embassy and consular mission, officials work actively to realise the external economic interests of Latvia.

The training was also attended by LIAA representatives abroad and the Specialised Attaché of the Ministry of Transport at the Latvian Embassy in Moscow.

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