The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) invites companies to take part in the working visit of the President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs and the Minister of Economy Viktors Valainis (Union of Greens and Farmers) to the United States, which will take place from 17 to 24 September this year. Companies representing such sectors as information and communication technologies (ICT), energy, logistics and defence, as well as enterprises from various manufacturing industries are invited to participate. Applications for participation in the visit can be submitted until 12 August. During the visit, it is planned to visit various cities in the United States, including San Francisco, Denver and Houston. Meetings will be held with representatives of American companies, venture funds, and participation in business networking events. Valainis emphasised that the United States is an important strategic partner and ally of Latvia in both defence and economics. In the first five months of this year, Latvian exports to the United States increased by 19% compared to the same period last year. As of the end of March 2024, accumulated US direct investment in Latvia reached EUR 451 million, of which the majority was invested in the financial sector, manufacturing, real estate, and information and communication technology, notes Valainis. At the same time, LIAA Director Raivis Bremšmits noted that cooperation between Latvia and the US has great potential in many sectors, including defense, energy, finance, and digitalization. "The growing startup ecosystem in Latvia has already attracted the interest of Silicon Valley, which is an important global hub for technology and innovation. Californian tech startups also see potential in Latvia's vibrant ecosystem, and some of them have already opened their offices in Riga," said Bremšmits. Participation in high-ranking government officials' visits abroad is organized by LIAA within the framework of the EU-cofinanced SME Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Program, with the support of the European Regional Development Fund and the state. Companies can participate in the visit either on a paid basis or with support. To receive support, a company must meet the support criteria available on the website "business.gov.lv".
