Fourth session of Latvian-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission agrees to promote Latvia – Russia regional co-operation [04 Jun 2010]

On 4 June, the fourth session of the Latvian-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission (the IGC) on economic, scientific, technological, humanitarian and cultural co-operation was held in Pskov, dealing with a number of topics of a current importance – economic co-operation, including the facilitation of signing several agreements, possibilities for the broadening of co-operation in transport and transit, as well as regional and cross-border co-operation.  

Co-chairmen of the Latvian-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission, the minister of Economics of Latvia, Artis Kampars, and the Minister of Transport of Russia, Igor Levitin, spoke positively of the work accomplished by the IGC working groups.

The parties recognised that progress is demonstrated regarding the enhancement of the bilateral legal framework and that during 2010 agreements could be signed in the areas concerning the avoidance of double taxation and tax evasion, an easement of the visa regime for border residents, tourism, emergency assistance, and fighting organised crime.

Latvia urged to continue efforts for the improvement of the investment environment and reiterated Latvia's readiness to conclude an agreement on the protection of investments, should Russia review its investment policy.

Latvia expressed support to Russia's membership in the World Trade Organisation, at the same time calling upon Russia to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, including those for the agricultural, timber and textile products. Latvia emphasised that the exports of Latvia's food products to Russia requires stable and foreseeable conditions. 

As part of the IGC meeting, representatives of both parties shared the same opinion about the key role of transport and logistics for the development of trade between Latvia and Russia. The parties noted positive dynamics in the area of passenger and freight transportation, and exchanged opinions on the current situation and the prospects for the development of truck and rail transportation.

Concerning the issues of humanitarian co-operation, the Latvian side reiterated its interest in obtaining copies from the case files of the deported persons, and drew attention to the need to dynamise work on compiling the lists of the burial places of the Latvian nationals in the territory of Russia. The parties acknowledged the work initiated by the Latvia-Russia Joint Demarcation Commission.

The IGC Working Group on Regional Co-operation successfully launched its work on 3 June, before the IGC meeting. The sides agreed to develop economic co-operation between Latvia and the regions and republics of Russia, as well as between Latvian and Russian local authorities and entrepreneurs. In the nearest future an agreement is expected to be signed between the Ministry of Economy of Latvia and the administrations of the Pskov and Kirov Oblasts. The sides agreed that within the framework of the IGC Working Group a list should be compiled of prospective regional co-operation and investment projects with the aim of furthering their implementation. The Latvian side presented its proposals already during the 3 June meeting.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed that the next IGC meeting will be held in Latvia in 2011. The time and place of the event will be further co-coordinated.