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From 8 to 10 June 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) are holding a joint economic training programme for diplomats and LIAA representatives. The aim of the training is to provide an in-depth overview of Latvia’s economic development priorities, to ensure the targeted use of public administration resources, and to promote cooperation between state institutions and businesses, thereby providing support for export promotion and investment attraction. The training is attended by Latvian diplomats and LIAA regional and foreign representatives from more than 30 countries where Latvia has diplomatic missions.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, emphasised the importance of cooperation in representing Latvia’s economic interests abroad:
“Economic growth is one of the three priorities of the Foreign Service. Together with LIAA, the Ministry of Economics and business leaders, we are increasing exports, entering new international markets and attracting investment. At the same time, we are strengthening Latvia’s economic security by reducing our dependence on Russia and China.”
The Minister noted that Latvia has significant potential for the development of technology, dual-use solutions and the defence industry. She also underlined the importance of the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework in promoting Latvia’s economic growth, as well as the importance of close cooperation between researchers, government agencies, entrepreneurs and Latvian representatives abroad.
Jurģis Miezainis, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Economics, highlighted the results of this cooperation and the resilience of the economy: “The results are very good – more than EUR 1 billion in investments have been attracted, and exports have increased by EUR 698.1 million. This is the result of our joint efforts. Investment is the best remedy against global shocks. Together, we can strengthen Latvia’s economy. We can provide more targeted services to attract investment and develop sectors that are strategically important – defence, dual-use technologies and Latvia’s emerging success stories such as FinTech. We must harness the potential of scientists and strengthen cooperation with universities. We are also improving our position in OECD rankings. Entrepreneurs have access to fast and effective support from the state. The actions of our NATO Allies confirm that we are capable of defending our territory. Security is and remains our focus.”
The attendees were also addressed by Ieva Jāgere, LIAA Director General; Andžejs Viļumsons, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Ivita Burmistre, Under-Secretary of State for Economic Affairs.
The economic training programme includes a discussion among representatives of the Bank of Latvia, leading commercial banks and diplomats on the impact of geopolitical and macroeconomic developments in Latvia and globally. Diplomats will discuss current issues in the investment environment, the development potential of data centres, and exporters’ priorities with representatives from ministries, foreign investors, business organisations, and companies. The programme will be complemented with a discussion on current issues in the tourism sector in collaboration with leading industry associations.
To facilitate direct networking between state representatives abroad and Latvian entrepreneurs, a joint matchmaking event will take place for the second time, to be opened on 9 June by Ivita Burmistre, Under-Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, and Ieva Jāgere, LIAA Director General. During the matchmaking event, Latvian diplomats and LIAA representatives will provide insights into current developments and specific characteristics of foreign markets. Meanwhile, representatives from nearly 150 Latvian companies will have the opportunity to receive individual consultations on export opportunities and state support in more than 30 foreign markets.
The training programme is traditionally complemented by experience-sharing visits. This year, special attention will be devoted to innovation and the commercialisation of science. On 10 June, participants will visit Riga Technical University (RTU) to learn about the university’s expertise and experience in the development of defence, space, biomaterials, microchip and quantum technologies, thereby promoting an understanding of the international potential of Latvia’s high-tech sectors.
Participating in the economic diplomacy training are representatives from the Ministry of Economics, the Ministry of Climate and Energy, the Bank of Latvia, Luminor Bank, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Latvian Exporters Association “The Red Jackets”, the Foreign Investors Council in Latvia (FICIL), the Latvian Information & Communications Technology Association (LIKTA), as well as companies such as Tilde, Latvenergo, and others.
Since 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the LIAA have jointly organised economic training for diplomats and LIAA representatives to ensure a unified and coordinated representation of Latvia’s economic interests abroad.
