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Ministry of Economics and META Discuss Cooperation and AI Regulation Challenges
To significantly improve the regulatory framework for business development in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and to discuss the strengthening of existing cooperation, Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis and Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Economics (MoE) Jurģis Miezainis met with Whitney Saldava, META’s Regional Public Policy Manager.
During the meeting, both parties discussed the need to improve the existing European Union legal framework for AI, which currently significantly hampers technological innovation and places an additional burden on entrepreneurs. They also discussed META’s upcoming free seminars on May 14 about AI solutions for public administration and businesses in Latvia.
“I’m pleased that since our meeting with global tech heavyweight META last September in San Francisco—when, under the leadership of the President of Latvia, the largest-ever Latvian business delegation visited the U.S.—and following further talks in Poland and Latvia, we have now reached real cooperation in the field of AI. It’s a great milestone that META is now organizing workshops in Latvia,” said Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis.
During the discussions, MoE representatives emphasized that effective development of AI solutions depends on access to complete and high-quality data sets necessary for proper training and testing. At the same time, strict principles of data protection and usage must be observed. The meeting also marked an important step toward shaping a coordinated national position at the EU level to create a regulatory environment conducive to business development in the field of AI.
“For Latvia, as an EU member state, it is crucial to advocate for a balanced approach—one that promotes innovation, ensures a favorable investment environment, and upholds Europe’s core values. We must achieve a unified and realistic regulatory framework that enables Latvian businesses to compete globally,” emphasized Parliamentary Secretary Jurģis Miezainis.
In addition to discussing improvements to the current regulation, the MoE is working in cooperation with technology giant META to offer practical support to entrepreneurs. One such initiative is a free workshop for businesses on using AI solutions in entrepreneurship, taking place on May 14.
In response to Minister Valainis’ invitation, META has agreed to organize free workshops for Latvian entrepreneurs and public sector employees on open-source AI models—helping them understand how to use these models in their daily operations and business development.
Workshop information (in-person and online):
Topic: Open-source artificial intelligence models and their application in business
Date and time: May 14, 14:00–16:00
Venue: Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kr. Valdemāra Street 35, Riga) or online
Working language: English
The workshop offers a unique opportunity for Latvian businesses to learn how artificial intelligence can become a valuable asset in business growth, strengthening competitiveness, and turning ideas into reality.
AI is increasingly becoming part of our everyday lives—it is transforming not only communication but also the way we work, think, and build businesses. META manages globally known platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, significantly influencing the social media and digital communications landscape. At the same time, the company is actively engaged in AI research and development and plans to participate in the recently established Artificial Intelligence Center in Latvia.
Such initiatives are particularly important as they help Latvian businesses adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape and leverage AI’s potential to support their growth.