Throughout our long history, Latvians have always been a nation of skilled farmers and livestock keepers for whom the rhythms of life were dictated by the changing seasons and daily farm chores. The country’s proximity to the sea created a climate and conditions favourable for farming and motivated coastal dwellers to become excellent fishermen.
Milk from Vidzeme dairy farms, fresh meat from Latgale and Kurzeme, fresh fish from the Baltic Sea, grain from Latvia’s granaries in Zemgale, berries, fruits, and vegetables from our forests, market gardens and fields—taken together these ingredients guarantee high quality of our natural products.
Latvia’s food producers have embraced the challenge of meeting the demand for food that is fresh and natural while taking advantage of modern technologies to ensure consistency, availability and safety.
The food and
beverage industry is one of the largest industrial sector in Latvia, producing around 22% of
the total output in manufacturing in 2015. More than 1 000 companies and
registered private merchants are active in food processing.
Each year around 100 food specialists graduates from Latvia’s colleges and universities, supplying our food processing companies with a highly qualified workforce.
In
2015, 20% of all the people employed in manufacturing worked in the food
industry.
Sector output in 2015—EUR 1.6 billion. In 2015, export proportion of total sector output was 34%.
Latvia is in a unique geographical and cultural position—as the northern European country it provides a strategic location for business operations targeting developed EU markets and emerging markets of the Eastern neighbours. Latvia is a natural gateway between the US, EU and Asia (especially Russia/CIS).
Representing northern European culture, Latvians have a strong work ethics and they are highly motivated, especially given the effects of the recent global economic crisis.
Latvia offers all the infrastructure and services companies need to operate at levels that meet or exceed European standards.
Latvia has one of the fastest telecommunication infrastructures in the world, providing companies seamless connections with customers and partners abroad.
One of Latvia’s main assets providing access to markets is its Maritime links. Latvia has three major ice-free international ports—Riga, Liepaja and Ventspils, that are closely linked into the country’s infrastructure by rail, road and pipeline. Latvia is an active partner of the Baltic Sea Region Programme—an EU-based organization that promotes cooperation and solutions among 11 countries around the Baltic Sea.
To the east, Latvia is one of only three EU countries that have a direct-access border with Russia, making it ideal for east/west trade. The Russian highway M9—the developed road-freight route known as the Baltic Highway—connects Moscow directly with Riga, where it also joins with the Via Baltica highway running north and south between Helsinki and Prague.
The Trans-Siberian railway
connects Riga directly with Moscow, with regularly-scheduled,
container-block trains. Latvia and Russia share a common railway gauge and an
infrastructure base that continues to facilitate growth in the flow of trade. By 2030 it is planned to complete the Rail Baltic—a unique project of an European-gauge railway line connecting the capitals of the Baltic states and Poland, integrating the Baltics in the European rail network.
Riga International Airport (RIX) is the largest
airport in the Baltics with direct flights to
more than 60 destinations around the world. RIX is also conveniently located
directly connecting with major roads including Via Baltica and the Baltic
Highway.
Latvia is a fully integrated member of all major economic and political structures, including the EU, NATO, WTO, and OECD. Its position in the global market offers investors both opportunity and stability.
In the wake of the economic crisis in 2008, government has reduced expenses, implemented several pro-business reforms and focused policy on being a reliable partner for investors. Latvia’s government took measures that were successful leading country out of the crisis and laying the groundwork for sustained growth.
Latvia is a democratic republic that abides by the rule of law. It is fully integrated into the European Union, applying EU laws and regulations within its legal system.
Latvia offers significant cost advantages to investors, including competitive labour force and real estate expenses, as well as competitive tax rates. Coupled with strong productivity in manufacturing and services, Latvia provides investors with a highly cost-effective environment for business, producing compelling returns on investment.