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Marek Sowa: Małopolska and Latgale Region have good economic relations

specially for BC, Riga, 14.05.2014.Print version
Interview with Mr. Marek Sowa, Marshal of the Małopolska Region, presented specially for BC.

- The ceremony of the opening of Małopolska Economic Representative Office in Riga, the capital of Latvia, has been scheduled for 14th May 2014. Why did you choose Riga?

 

- Małopolska is opening its Economic Representative Offices in three countries including Latvia. The first office opened on 11th April this year in Kaliningrad. The office in Riga will be followed by opening another office in Lviv, scheduled for 25th of June this year.

We believe these locations to be the best choice. According to research conducted by Małopolska Business Centre, the entrepreneurs of the region are increasingly looking for new export destinations. Eastern Europe, including Latvia, is among the most popular cooperation targets for companies from our region.

 

- Apart from the conclusion of a partnership agreement between Malopolska and Latgale region in Latvia, and the planned opening of the Małopolska Economic Representative Office, have you taken other initiatives for economic cooperation between the two regions?

 

- I am pleased to say that the relationship between our regions has clearly strengthened since June 9th last year, when the partnership agreement between Małopolska and Latgale Region was signed. Latgale Representatives have already visited Małopolska on two occasions; in September last year during the Economic Forum, and the Regions Forum in Krynica-Zdrój and on 27th and 28th of November during the economic mission of entrepreneurs from Latvia. It is worth stressing that another meeting of representatives of the companies from both countries has been scheduled for 16th and 17th of May this year during the World Economic Forum in Daugavpils in the Latgale region. Each of these meetings brings tangible effects. Frequent meetings present the opportunity for direct talks and the mutual exchange of experiences, which helps the economic cooperation between the regions develop successfully.


The opening of the Małopolska Economic Representative Office in Riga is part of a broad project ‘Business in Małopolska – Partnership Network’, which is being implemented by the Małopolska Regional Development Agency and the region, and has been granted funding from the Małopolska Regional Operational Programme.

 

- What is the objective of this project?

 

 - In my opinion it is one of the most innovative projects stimulating the economic development and exports of the Małopolska region. It gives us the chance to become the first region of the ‘New’ European Union countries to open business representative offices in other countries. Similar methods of supporting regional exports have been implemented by the Rhône-Alpes region in France and by Tuscany in Italy.

 

Opening Economic Representative Offices generates significant economic benefits as they will supply Małopolska entrepreneurs with regular information about the Russian, Ukrainian and Latvian markets. Information exchange will be mutual – companies from the East will also be able to obtain accurate data on the Małopolska region and its business partnership opportunities. I am convinced that the opening of the Małopolska Economic Representative Office in Riga will bring tangible benefits for our region. We expect to establish new business contacts which will hopefully result in permanent close cooperation in the future.






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