Several significant projects are currently being developed in the Latgale region: the East Latvian Smart Technology and Research Centre (ALTOP) Industrial Park in Daugavpils (Lociki, Augšdaugava Municipality), the Rēzekne Industrial Park in the Northern District, and the “Augšdaugava” Industrial Park in Augšdaugava Municipality.
At the same time, other municipalities across Latgale are developing business-oriented infrastructure by revitalizing industrial areas that will be ready to accommodate export-oriented companies in the future.
A Strong Foundation for Regional Growth
Together, ALTOP and the industrial parks in Rēzekne and Augšdaugava mark a new stage in Latgale’s economic development. These projects will create a modern industrial environment in the region, fostering entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and generating new jobs. They form the basis for Latgale’s emergence as an increasingly important technology and manufacturing hub in Latvia, while continuing to strengthen the already established optoelectronics cluster and ensuring an innovation-friendly environment with long-term economic returns.
The ALTOP Industrial Park of the East Latvian Smart Technology and Research Centre is one of the most ambitious new projects in the Latgale region, implemented by the Daugavpils City Municipality. It is designed for companies with high innovation potential. The project aims to create a modern and competitive business environment that attracts both local and foreign investors and strengthens Latgale’s position on Latvia’s industrial development map.
ALTOP premises are intended for companies operating in smart specialisation (RIS3) areas, including photonics and smart materials, technologies and engineering systems, smart energy and mobility, information and communication technologies, as well as knowledge-intensive bioeconomy, biomedicine, medical technologies, and pharmaceuticals.
A Flexible Leasing Model for Investors
Leasing rights at ALTOP will be granted through an open and transparent auction. Investors will be able to apply for one, two, or all three building blocks. This means that the premises can accommodate either three separate companies or one or two larger enterprises, depending on the required floor space. Such a flexible model makes ALTOP suitable for both manufacturing activities and the development of research and technological solutions.
Within the ALTOP project, an energy-efficient Class A building is being developed, offering more than 11,000 m² of workspace and the capacity to comfortably accommodate up to 150 employees. Modular premises allow the environment to be adapted to various production and research processes. The building meets Class A energy efficiency standards and is equipped with LED lighting, facilities for solar panel installation, and electric vehicle charging points. The total eligible costs of the ALTOP project exceed EUR 18 million, the majority of which is financed through the Recovery Fund.
Comprehensive Support Available to Entrepreneurs
The Latgale region is becoming a new industrial and technological player on Latvia’s economic map. Companies operating here have access to Latgale Special Economic Zone (Latgale SEZ) support, including state-guaranteed tax incentives: up to 80% corporate income tax relief and up to 100% real estate tax relief. In addition, companies may receive support for investments in long-term tangible and intangible assets, as well as for projected salary costs related to newly created jobs. The new industrial parks, combined with the advantages offered by the Latgale SEZ, enhance the region’s competitiveness at the international level.
“Modern infrastructure, workforce availability, and the SEZ tax regime together create an environment and opportunities for long-term business development. Our goal is to provide professional support to potential investors at every stage of their projects,” emphasizes Iveta Maļina-Tabūne, Managing Director of the Latgale SEZ.
Companies are also provided with comprehensive support—from access to a qualified workforce and cooperation with state and municipal institutions, as well as vocational and higher education establishments, to a family-friendly urban environment with developed infrastructure and a vibrant creative and cultural space.
Industrial Development Across Latgale
Several major industrial development projects are currently underway in Latgale, including the establishment of the Rēzekne Industrial Park in the Northern District and the development of the “Augšdaugava” Industrial Park located four kilometres from Daugavpils. The 25-hectare area designated for the development of the Rēzekne industrial zone will become one of the most significant manufacturing areas in the region. The total project cost is estimated at EUR 6.5 million, of which EUR 5 million is planned to be covered by the European Regional Development Fund.
To create a modern industrial environment, the project includes the construction of a new street, the development of engineering infrastructure networks, the improvement of railway sidings and logistics infrastructure, and the installation of a new power supply system. The territory is located near the municipal border with Rēzekne Municipality, where additional manufacturing development is also planned, thus creating extensive long-term opportunities for industrial growth.
“Augšdaugava” – A Strategic Logistics Hub
The “Augšdaugava” Industrial Park will cover an area of 256 hectares. The site is located in Līksna Parish, in a strategically important logistics location adjacent to major national and European transport routes—the national road A6, the European route E262, and a railway line of national importance. Two access points from the national road have already been established.
The municipality plans to provide the necessary infrastructure, including transport infrastructure, water supply, and wastewater systems, which will facilitate the organisation of manufacturing and logistics processes. Within the project, it is planned to prepare a 35-hectare area for the lease of development rights, which will be offered to entrepreneurs through a public lease rights auction.
Source: Dienas Bizness
