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The Regional Offices of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) Become Strategic Hubs for Business, Investment, and Innovation Development
The role and accomplishments of the regional offices of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) as strategic centers for promoting entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and fostering innovation in Latvia's regions were discussed yesterday, July 3, in a joint meeting held at the LIAA office in Jelgava. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Economics, LIAA management, and regional coordinators, who also agreed on the future priority directions for their work.
"The active work of regional representatives is a key prerequisite for the comprehensive implementation of LIAA's reform. The development of entrepreneurship in the regions is the foundation of a sustainable economy. Our goal is to ensure that every business in Latvia—regardless of location—receives the support it needs to grow, export, and attract investment," emphasized Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis.
The regional representatives carry out proactive work with both existing businesses and potential investors. They implement activities that promote the business, innovation, export, and investment environment in cooperation with regional and sectoral partners.
"The role of LIAA’s regional offices has significantly increased this year. Since March, we have held more than 320 meetings with foreign and domestic capital companies, aiming to identify potential investment projects in a timely manner, understand business needs, and offer appropriate support solutions. We want to be present for businesses, work closely with municipalities, and promote targeted and sustainable investment attraction in the regions," said LIAA Director Ieva Jāgere.
Since March, a total of 321 meetings have taken place with foreign and locally owned businesses with at least 1 million euros in turnover and export potential. Of these, 243 meetings were held in Latvia's regions and 49 in Riga. These meetings have helped identify business needs, development plans, and potential cooperation directions with state support instruments. Investor aftercare has also been significantly improved in the regions—43 meetings have already been conducted. In addition, active cooperation with municipalities has begun, with meetings held with representatives of 42 municipalities since the beginning of the year to discuss involvement in local development plans and investment attraction processes as strategic partners.
It has already been reported that at the end of April, the first permanent regional representation of the Ministry of Economics was opened at the LIAA office in Jelgava, strengthening the state’s presence in the regions and creating a closer dialogue with entrepreneurs. In Zemgale, it will serve as a platform for closer cooperation with local businesses and investors.
During the meeting, preparations were also discussed for one of the most ambitious export promotion and investment attraction events in Germany, which will take place from September 24 to 26. Latvian entrepreneurs are invited to participate in the visit alongside Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis. Participation in the state visit will not only provide insight into the German market but also promote cooperation with companies and investors in Hamburg and Rostock—one of Germany's strongest regions in the fields of ICT, defense, biotechnology, and smart energy. Entrepreneurs can apply for the state visit until July 16 via the national business development platform business.gov.lv.
Participation in high-level state visits abroad is organized by LIAA within the framework of the EU co-financed Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Program for SMEs, with support from the European Regional Development Fund and national funding.
About the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA)
LIAA promotes the competitiveness of Latvian entrepreneurs, export growth, and investment attraction. It also develops the tourism sector and implements national branding policies. The agency acts as a state partner in business development—from idea to international markets. With a wide network of representations abroad and regional business centers across Latvia, LIAA helps companies grow and positions Latvia as a safe, innovative, and open country in the global economy.
Informāciju sagatavoja
LIAA Starptautiskā mārketinga un komunikācijas nodaļa
E-pasts: prese@liaa.gov.lv