RIGA, June 27 (LETA) - The foreign service is willing and able to support Latgale entrepreneurs in growing their exports and attracting investment, emphasized Artjoms Ursulskis, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who participated in a roundtable discussion with Latgale businesses at Luznava Manor on Saturday.

As the ministry informed LETA, on Saturday, June 27, prior to the Cabinet of Ministers’ off-site meeting, the Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with the Latgale Planning Region, organized a roundtable discussion with Latgale businesses at Luznava Manor entitled Support from the Foreign Service for Entrepreneurs in Export Markets.

The event focused on how the foreign service can help regional businesses expand their export markets and attract foreign investment, thereby promoting Latgale’s international recognition and the region’s economic development.

Ursulskis emphasized at the event that economic issues are one of the Foreign Ministry’s three priorities, alongside security and support for people. He stated that the Foreign Ministry is willing and able to support Latgale’s entrepreneurs in growing their exports and attracting investment.

The parliamentary secretary encouraged entrepreneurs to actively utilize the support tools available through the ministry, including its extensive network of embassies and representative offices, honorary consuls and diaspora contacts, as well as high-level incoming and outgoing visits to promote economic relations.

Ursulskis emphasized that Latvian companies should take advantage of the benefits offered by free trade agreements. Business leaders were also encouraged to participate in the Latvian Honorary Consuls and Business Leaders Networking Event, which will take place in Riga on July 14.

For his part, Andzejs Vilumsons, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, invited businesspeople to share information on how the ministry can assist in export markets or in attracting investment, as well as information on their main export markets and their experience to date in cooperating with the ministry.

Aldis Adamovics, Chairman of the Latgale Planning Region Development Council and Chairman of the Preili regional council, emphasized Latgale’s cooperation with Latvian and foreign economic diplomats, the need to attract foreign investors to the region, and joint cooperation to strengthen security in the border area.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that business leaders were interested in participating in official visits, emphasizing the need to ensure broader representation of Latgale-based companies. Business leaders emphasized the need to improve the exchange of information and promote the expansion of export markets.

They also drew attention to logistical challenges in Latgale. Among the pressing issues mentioned were the security and resilience of supply chains, the implementation of green transition requirements, attracting a skilled workforce, and ensuring housing affordability.