On 27 February 2026, at the restored Preiļi Manor, the Latgale Planning Region (LPR) and the Latgale Special Economic Zone (Latgale SEZ) Authority organized an Information Day for entrepreneurs, bringing together SEZ companies, industry experts, and representatives of financial institutions.
The event was opened by Maruta Plivda, Deputy Chairperson of the Preiļi Municipality Council, who emphasized the significant contribution of entrepreneurs to regional economic development and community strengthening. In her address, she also presented the revival story of Preiļi Manor, highlighting the importance of restoring historical heritage as part of regional development and identity-building.
The participants were subsequently addressed by Iveta Maļina-Tabūne, Head of Administration of the Latgale Planning Region and Latgale SEZ. She expressed appreciation to SEZ companies for their active participation and continued cooperation. In her remarks, she referred to the European Commission high-level conference held on 26 February, “Communication on EU’s Eastern Regions Bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine – Strong Regions for a Secure Europe,” where particular emphasis was placed on strengthening the EU’s eastern border regions, including business development and investment attraction. She underlined that Latgale SEZ is an important instrument for achieving these objectives and enhancing the region’s long-term competitiveness.
Iveta Maļina-Tabūne also highlighted significant legislative amendments achieved in cooperation with partners in the Saeima: the operational term of Latgale SEZ has been extended until 2050, and Alūksne Municipality has been included within the SEZ territory. These decisions ensure long-term stability for investors and expand the region’s development potential.
Digital Transformation and Business Resilience
The first part of the seminar focused on the practical application of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation trends in businesses. Raimonds Babāns, Digital Transformation Services Manager and Business Development & Technology Expert at KPMG Baltics, provided insights into data utilization and process automation to enhance competitiveness.
Business continuity, risk management, and governance in today’s dynamic environment were addressed by Edvards Grasis, Head of Risk and Compliance Advisory Services at KPMG Baltics, who emphasized the importance of strengthening organizational resilience.
Legal Environment and Tax Updates
Legal challenges, employee mobility, motivation, and regulatory matters were presented by Līna Gavare, Attorney-at-Law and Head of the Labour and Immigration Law Practice Group at KPMG Law, and Toms Bordāns, Attorney-at-Law and Head of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group at KPMG Law.
Ivonna Balode, Tax Advisory Project Manager at KPMG Baltics, provided an overview of Latvia’s tax environment in 2026, highlighting key changes and practical tax challenges.
Business Growth Financing and Capital Attraction
Particular attention was devoted to financing opportunities for business development. Edvards Grasis presented insights into investor requirements, project evaluation, and capital attraction opportunities in Latvia.
Krista Hiršfelde, Senior Corporate Deal Manager at Signet Bank, delivered a presentation titled “Growth of a Regional Company: Financing Opportunities in Today’s Market Conditions,” analyzing lending, investment, capital market instruments, and financing options for the next stage of development.
Employee motivation solutions were also presented under the topic “Bonus Card – Tax Benefits for Employee Motivation.” Artūrs Piliksers explained how to apply personal income tax exemptions under Article 8(15) of the Latvian Personal Income Tax Law for providing employees with meal, healthcare, or transport benefits exempt from payroll taxes.
Updates in Latgale SEZ Regulation
At the conclusion of the seminar, Deputy Manager of Latgale SEZ Vladislavs Stankevičs informed participants about recent changes in SEZ regulation, available support mechanisms, and future development directions.
The event continued with a networking session, including individual consultations with experts and discussions on potential cooperation opportunities. The Information Day reaffirmed that a professional dialogue platform between entrepreneurs, experts, and development institutions is a key prerequisite for building a competitive and resilient business environment in the Latgale region.
The Revival of Preiļi Manor
At the end of the event, participants had the opportunity to explore one of Latgale’s cultural heritage landmarks — Preiļi Manor. This 19th-century Neo-Gothic architectural monument has been revitalized following extensive restoration works, including façade, window, and door restoration, with gradual renovation of interior spaces ongoing. The manor is complemented by an extensive park with architectural features that together form a significant cultural heritage ensemble.
Participants also experienced a 5D sensory cinema presentation in the western tower of Preiļi Manor, showcasing multimedia-rich stories about traditional crafts in Latgale, combining sound, wind, lighting effects, and interactive visual content.
Latgale SEZ – A Development Platform for Regional Businesses
Latgale SEZ continues to strengthen its role as one of the key regional development instruments in Latgale, providing entrepreneurs with a stable, predictable, and investment-friendly environment. The tax incentives offered by the SEZ — up to 80% corporate income tax relief and up to 100% real estate tax relief — allow companies to reinvest resources into development, technological modernization, and job creation.
With the extension of Latgale SEZ’s operational term until 2050 and the inclusion of Alūksne Municipality within the SEZ territory, entrepreneurs benefit from a long-term planning horizon and expanded development opportunities in Latvia’s eastern border region.
Latgale SEZ Authority will continue organizing informational and thematic events for company representatives to promote knowledge exchange, cooperation, and business competitiveness in the region.
Additional information:
Latgale SEZ Authority
E-mail: lsez@lpr.gov.lv
Phone: +371 29957750
