Translated using ChatGPT service.
On Friday, April 25th, the Ministry of Economics opened its first permanent representation. Its aim will be to promote closer cooperation with entrepreneurs in the Zemgale region, strengthen regional development, and facilitate investment attraction.
The Ministry of Economics is the first to establish a regional representation.
"Regional economic growth is the foundation of the country's overall well-being. The Zemgale region has significant potential – both in terms of workforce, innovation, and industrial development. With the establishment of such a representation, we are not only symbolically but also practically strengthening the Ministry of Economics' presence in the regions. Our strategy is to be where the entrepreneurs are, where ideas are formed, and where the future of Latvia’s economy is created," said Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis at the opening.
The activities of the representation are based on a targeted and long-term approach to strengthening the regional economy. It will ensure more effective access to state support tools for entrepreneurs in the region, promoting closer dialogue between public administration and the business environment. Through the representation, entrepreneurs will be able to address current issues more quickly and receive coordinated support from the Ministry, thereby improving decision-making dynamics. At the same time, the economic potential of Zemgale will be strengthened by purposefully developing forms of cooperation that allow for attracting new investments and creating growth opportunities for local businesses.
The opening event was attended by Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, Chairman of Jelgava City Council Andris Rāviņš, and Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) Ieva Jāgere.
Addressing those present, the Minister of Economics emphasized that the newly established representation will serve as an active cooperation center in the region: "We will use these premises to meet with entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and other partners. This will be a place for significant discussions on economic development issues and cooperation opportunities."
"Jelgava has always been an important center for regional development with a strong industrial base and an innovative business environment. The establishment of the Ministry of Economics' representation in the LIAA Jelgava office is a significant step towards closer cooperation between the Ministry, entrepreneurs, and local government. In Jelgava, one of the most modern pea protein factories in Europe is being built, a new industrial park is being developed in the Zemgale region on the site of a former airfield, opening up opportunities for innovative business development outside the capital," said Ieva Jāgere, Director of LIAA.
At the opening of the Ministry of Economics' representation, the Chairman of Jelgava City Council Andris Rāviņš emphasized that strong and developed entrepreneurship is the foundation of any city: "In Jelgava, business development is undeniably a priority. From European Union funds, we have attracted the largest investments this year for the development of business infrastructure – almost 20 million euros. The Zemgale industrial park is under construction. The local government has already signed the first land lease agreements with investors ready to develop businesses there. We can already say that entrepreneurs’ investments in new production facilities will exceed 100 million euros. I am confident that the establishment of the Ministry of Economics' representation in Jelgava will be another strong tool that will result in even more productive economic development in Jelgava and the entire Zemgale region."
On the very day of the representation’s opening, April 25th, the first working meeting took place in the newly established offices with the heads of the Ministry of Economics' state-owned companies. During the day, the Minister of Economics also participated in the Forestry Days events at Pasta Island and visited one of Zemgale’s leading innovative food producers, the company SIA "ASNS ingredients". At the end of the day, he met with regional entrepreneurs to discuss the directions of Zemgale’s economic development and future cooperation opportunities.
The regional representation will be located in the LIAA office, where LIAA is implementing the EU fund project No.1.2.3.1/1/23/I/001 "Development of Innovative Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)