On 27 June 2026, ahead of the off-site meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Latgale Planning Region and the Latgale Special Economic Zone, organised a round-table discussion with Latgale businesses at Lūznava Manor entitled “Foreign Service Support for Businesses in Export Markets.”
The discussion focused on how Latvia’s foreign service can help regional businesses expand into new export markets and attract foreign investment, thereby enhancing Latgale’s international visibility and contributing to the region’s economic development.
Addressing the participants, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Artjoms Uršuļskis emphasised the importance of targeted and strategic support for the Latgale region:
“Economic affairs are one of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ three key priorities, alongside security and support for people. Latvia’s foreign service is both willing and able to support Latgale businesses in expanding their exports and attracting investment. We encourage businesses to make active use of the support instruments available through the foreign service, including Latvia’s extensive network of embassies and representations, contacts with honorary consuls and the diaspora, as well as high-level incoming and outgoing visits aimed at strengthening economic relations. The Foreign Economic Policy Coordination Council and the Coordination Council for Large and Strategically Significant Investment Projects also provide valuable platforms for supporting businesses.”
The Parliamentary Secretary also stressed that Latvian companies should take advantage of the opportunities provided by free trade agreements. Businesses were also encouraged to participate in the networking event for Latvian honorary consuls and entrepreneurs, scheduled to take place in Riga on 14 July.
State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andžejs Viļumsons invited businesses to share their views on how the Ministry could assist them in export markets and in attracting investment. He also encouraged participants to provide information about their main target markets and their previous experience of cooperation with the Ministry.
Aldis Adamovičs, Chair of the Latgale Planning Region Development Council and Chair of Preiļi Municipality Council, highlighted Latgale’s cooperation with Latvian and foreign economic diplomats, the need to attract international investors to the region, and the importance of joint efforts to strengthen security in Latvia’s eastern border area.
Businesses expressed interest in participating in official international visits and emphasised the need to ensure broader representation of Latgale-based companies. Participants also highlighted the importance of improving information exchange and supporting the expansion of export markets.
Businesses drew attention to the logistics challenges faced by companies operating in Latgale. Other topical issues included the security and resilience of supply chains, compliance with European Green Deal requirements, the attraction of skilled labour, and access to housing. Several companies expressed their appreciation for the support provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including its involvement in addressing unfair trade practices.
The discussion was attended by Iveta Maļina-Tabūne, Head of the Latgale Planning Region Administration and Chief Executive of the Latgale Special Economic Zone, as well as representatives of ten Latgale-based companies: Verems (Latvijas Finieris), Rēzeknes Gaļas kombināts, LEAX Rezekne, OptoElektronika LV, IRBIS Technology, Baltiks East, Regula Baltija, Pulsar Optics, Ceram Optec, and Light Guide Optics International.
Photo: Laura Celmiņa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia
We would like to thank Latgale’s businesses for their active participation, open dialogue, and willingness to work together to identify solutions for strengthening the region’s export capacity and international competitiveness. We also thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its close cooperation in organising the event.
Further information on the support provided by Latvia’s foreign service to Latvian businesses operating in international markets
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
