During the Latvian Business Mission in Washington, Agreement Signed to Represent Latvian Companies in 29 U.S. States
On October 16, during the Latvian business mission in Washington, the “Spotlight Latvia” conference, organized by the Latvian-American Chamber of Commerce (LACC), took place. At the conference, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and LACC to represent Latvian companies’ interests and strengthen their export capacity in North America.
“Although Latvia may seem small on the map, it is excellent in terms of talent, knowledge, and innovative technologies,” emphasized European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis during the conference.
“Thanks to our history, our people, and the value we place on transatlantic relations, Latvia is uniquely positioned to build a bridge between the European Union and the United States. Together, we can find better solutions in defense, green energy, and digital innovation. Such cooperation strengthens both our security and our shared economic resilience.”
The conference brought together more than 200 participants, including Latvian and U.S. business representatives, government officials, and academic experts, to strengthen collaboration in security, defense, energy, and digital services. U.S. participants included companies such as Anduril Industries, FedTech, AUVSI, Scout Ventures, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, Meta, Google, AMS Group, and Imprimatur, all representing defense, cybersecurity, AI, energy, and technology sectors.
“This business mission and the ‘Spotlight Latvia’ conference mark a new phase in Latvian-U.S. economic relations. The signed agreement with the Latvian-American Chamber of Commerce, representing Latvian business interests in 29 U.S. states, lays the foundation for closer cooperation in the defense industry, energy, digital services, and other sectors. This forum demonstrates that Latvian companies are ready not only to export innovative products but also to establish strategic partnerships with U.S. partners in high value-added sectors. During the mission, meetings with around 30 potential investors are planned, which will soon bring direct benefits to the Latvian economy,” highlighted Latvia’s Minister of Economics, Viktors Valainis.
As part of “Spotlight Latvia,” several panel discussions took place covering business opportunities in the U.S., federal procurement systems, cybersecurity, and the defense industry. Panel participants included Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, Minister for Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis, LIAA Director Ieva Jāgere, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Aivars Puriņš, Chair of the State Defense Corporation Ingrīda Ķirse, and representatives of Latvian military industry companies.
“The cooperation agreement with LACC strengthens Latvia’s economic presence in the U.S. market and opens new opportunities for our companies. It will allow for targeted work on export and investment attraction, providing businesses with practical support in 29 U.S. states where LACC already has offices. This gives companies a much broader support network for handling daily matters,” emphasized LIAA Director Ieva Jāgere.
Latvian delegation participants included:
State Defense Corporation, Latvenergo, Edge Autonomy Riga, Oruga, ZAB Ellex Kļaviņš, Latvian University Fund, University of Latvia, Defence Partnership Latvia, SILMOR, Latvian Exporters Association “The Red Jackets,” Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Baltic Bullets, Latitude Construction, BELSS, Agricultural Organizations Cooperation Council, Ludza Bio-Energy, MN TECH, SAPRA, Deep Space Energy, SAF, RTU/Riga Business School, Amber Hill Studio, Emergn, SPIGULIS & KUKAINIS Law Office, PRIMEKSS, Ernst & Young Baltic, RIX, ZAB Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns, Frankenburg, Data Crunch.
The business mission is organized by the Ministry of Economics and LIAA in cooperation with the Latvian Embassy in the U.S. and the Latvian-American Chamber of Commerce.
The mission is implemented with the support of the European Regional Development Fund.
About LIAA:
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) promotes the competitiveness of Latvian companies, export growth, and investment attraction, develops the tourism sector, and implements the national branding strategy. The agency acts as a state partner in business development—from idea to international markets. With an extensive network of foreign representations and regional business centers in Latvia, LIAA helps companies grow and positions Latvia as a safe, innovative, and open country in the global economy.
Photos:
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Signing of the agreement between LIAA and LACC
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LIAA meeting with U.S. defense industry companies
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Networking event for Latvian and U.S. business representatives in Rockville