Translated using ChatGPT service.
From 13 to 17 October, a delegation of Latvian entrepreneurs, led by Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, will travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in one of the world’s largest defense industry exhibitions, the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition, as well as the “Spotlight Latvia” conference organized by the Latvian-American Chamber of Commerce (LACC). The delegation will comprise approximately 50 people.
The mission focuses on companies in the defense, energy, and ICT sectors, with its main objective being to increase exports of Latvia’s dual-use and defense industry to North America and to attract investment projects worth €1 billion over the next three years.
Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis emphasizes:
“The goal is to increase Latvian defense industry exports to the United States by at least 20% within three years. This mission is a step toward attracting at least €1 billion in new investments in defense, energy, and high-tech sectors. The United States is our strategic partner in both security and economic matters, and now is the right time to strengthen this cooperation. Latvian companies offer world-class solutions in drone technologies, cybersecurity, and green energy, and we want these solutions to be utilized in the U.S. market. Our aim is to establish Latvia as a Baltic innovation and technology hub for the dual-use industry, where new production capacities and research projects with global impact are created.”
Extensive Program and High-Level Contacts
The trade mission will begin with participation in the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington. This is one of the most significant defense industry exhibitions worldwide, bringing together over 700 participants from dozens of countries. Latvian and U.S. politicians and company leaders will participate in the exhibition and in individual meetings, alongside networking events with potential investors.
Special importance is placed on the business forum “Spotlight Latvia.” The LACC organizes this conference as a platform where strategic discussions on Latvia-U.S. security topics are translated into practical action plans. The conference program includes in-depth panel discussions covering topics such as drone technologies, weapons manufacturing, cybersecurity, resilience of critical infrastructure, and strengthening Baltic-North American cooperation in the security sector. Participants include global companies such as Nvidia, Google, Meta, Anduril, and Palantir, as well as well-known Latvian companies like LMT, Belss, SAF Tehnika, Edge Autonomy, and others.
The conference “Spotlight Latvia” will also feature European Commission Vice-President for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis, Minister of Finance Arvils Ašeradens, and Minister of Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis.
Latvia’s Advantages and North American Market Potential
“North America is a strategically important market for Latvian companies in terms of both export expansion and investment attraction. This is especially relevant for defense, cybersecurity, and drone technologies, where Latvia has already developed strong competencies and competitive companies. This mission will allow Latvian companies to strengthen their position in the U.S. market and attract partners for high value-added projects,” notes Ieva Jāgere, Director of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA).
Latvia is currently one of the world leaders in the number of drone companies per 1,000 inhabitants, and its companies develop both next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence and cybersecurity solutions.
Spotlight Latvia – From Idea to Impactful Event
LACC Co-Chair Jānis Bergs emphasizes that this will be the most ambitious Latvian business conference in the U.S. to date:
“Latvia has become a model of how a small country with an innovative approach and highly skilled specialists can offer solutions that interest the largest global markets. This is an important step in establishing Latvia as a serious partner in the North American business and security environment. It is crucial to take advantage of the current moment.” Bergs also notes that LACC has become an influential organization with over 150 members and active regional communities worldwide. During the conference, the Latvia-U.S. Business Report will be presented for the first time, summarizing the experience and performance of more than 50 Latvian companies in the U.S. market.
Latvian goods and services exports to the U.S. reached €991.5 million in 2024, up 3% from 2023. U.S. direct investments in Latvia in 2025 amount to €392 million.
Companies and Organizations in the Latvian Delegation
State Defense Corporation, Latvenergo, Edge Autonomy Riga, Oruga, ZAB Ellex Kļaviņš, University of Latvia Foundation, 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, LMT, Data Crunch.
The trade 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 supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
LIAA promotes the competitiveness of Latvian companies, export growth, and investment attraction, as well as develops the tourism sector and implements the national branding policy. The agency serves as a state partner in business development – from idea to international markets. With a wide 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.