On 9 April 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted online the 18th meeting of the Foreign Economic Policy Coordination Council, chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, and the Deputy Chair of the Council, Minister of Economy, Jānis Vitenbergs.
At the meeting, discussions focused on the following: a report of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) on Latvia’s participation in EXPO 2020 in Dubai; a report of the Ministry of Economy on Latvia’s participation in EXPO 2025 in Osaka; and a LIAA report on the “Green Channel” initiative supporting investment projects.
As they opened the meeting, both Ministers pointed out that this agenda centred on Latvia’s participation in the EXPOs and on the attraction of investments, which is of key importance now that work on economic recovery is already underway.
EXPO 2020 in Dubai, the UAE, is to take place from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. During Latvia’s participation in the world fair, it is important to present the image of the country, which has been cooperatively and jointly developed, and thereby also engaging with Latvian businesses to the maximum possible extent.
Director of LIAA, Kaspars Rožkalns, informed the Council about installation works for Latvia’s pavilion and the activities planned. During EXPO 2020, Latvia’s “national day” will take place on 27 November, coupled with a business forum the following day. A number of culture events have been planned together with the Ministry of Culture – a month of Latvian art in the Dubai art quarter and a guest performance of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet at the Dubai Opera.
For updates on Latvia’s participation in EXPO 2020, see the www.expo2020.lv website; and should there be any questions in this regard, do not hesitate to contact LIAA by email at expo2020@liaa.gov.lv
Raimonds Aleksejenko, Deputy State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Economy, presented information on EXPO 2025 in Osaka to be held from 13 April to 13 October 2025. Since Latvia accepted the invitation to take part in the exhibition, the Ministry of Economy in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prepared a report on Latvia’s participation in EXPO 2025 for consideration at the Cabinet of Ministers and necessary decision making in this regard.
The members of the council welcomed the opportunity for Latvia to participate in EXPO 2025, while indicating that it calls for an economically balanced approach.
The third agenda point was a LIAA report on a strategic project initiative, “Green Channel”. This past 4 February, the Cabinet approved a proposal by the Ministry of Economy and LIAA to create a “Green Channel” procedure with the aim of relieving the administrative burden and facilitating a more rapid implementation of infrastructure projects during the pandemic.
The meeting of the Foreign Economic Policy Coordination Council was attended by its members representing the Ministries of Economy, Transport, and Agriculture, advisers to the President of Latvia and the Prime Minister, as well as heads of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia, and the Latvian Chamber of Trade and Industry. Representatives from the Saeima, the Ministry of Culture and the Latvian Institute were also invited to participate.
Since the agenda points concerning Latvia’s EXPO participation are so closely related to matters within the competence of the policy coordination council on Latvia’s national image (known as the External Image Policy Coordination Council) , the participants of the meeting from that council were also present at the meeting; they represented the State Chancellery, the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Latvian Union of Local and Regional Governments, Riga Tourism Development Office, the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, and #esiLV also took part in the meeting.
The Foreign Economic Policy Coordination Council, established by Latvia’s Cabinet of Ministers in 2012, is a coordinating institution under the Foreign Minister’s leadership, which aims at ensuring collegial and concerted action by public authorities and other institutions in creating and implementing a successful external economic policy. The Council builds a systematic dialogue between the public and non-governmental sectors. The Council also comprises the Ministers of Economy, Transport and Agriculture, advisors to the President and Prime Minister for foreign and economic affairs, and the heads of LIAA, LTRK and LDDK.