International Internet Magazine. Baltic States news & analytics
Saturday, 04.02.2012, 07:01
Industrial production output in Latvia grew by 8.9% in 2011
03.02.2012In 2011 industrial production output (1) (at current prices) comprised LVL 4759.2 million, in 4th quarter – LVL 1238.2 million, of which in December – LVL 395.3 million, according to the data of Central Statistical Bureau. Compared to 2010, industrial production volume in 2011 has grown by 8.9%, according to calendar adjusted data at constant prices.
Keyword tags: Analytics, Good for Business, Industry, Latvia, Markets and Companies
Lithuania registers EU's steepest annual increase in retail trade turnover in December
03.02.2012Retail trade turnover in Latvia in December 2011 increased by 7.1% from December 2010, which was the second largest increase across the European Union, according to the latest data from the EU's statistical office Eurostat. Lithuania registered the steepest annual increase in retail trade turnover in December – 13%; retail trade turnover in Estonia grew 6.1%.
Wood exports from Latvia reached record-high LVL 1.10 – 1.12 bln in 2011
03.02.2012In 2011, Latvia's wood exports amounted to LVL 1.10 – 1.12 billion, the highest figure in the past 20 years, according to the Agriculture Ministry's approximate estimates.
CPB of Latvia: to a large extent, illegal smuggling cannot be carried successfully without help from officials
03.02.2012Smuggling illegal goods into the country is a quick and lucrative way to make money, unfortunately, officials are also involved in this illegal activity in Latvia. It is clear that large-scale smuggling cannot be carried out successfully without the support of officials, the deputy chief of the Corruption Prevention Bureau (CPB), Juta Strike, said during a press conference today.
For a small Estonia on the periphery with Russia, being a member of the European core is very valuable
03.02.2012A little more than a year ago, Estonia adopted the euro – at a time when the Greek crisis, and the Irish, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian crises, were exposing the common currency’s weaknesses. Today, Estonia's economy is the fastest-growing in the currency bloc, consumers and businesses are paying lower interest rates, and business ties with Finland – a euro member state and Estonia's main trading partner – are tighter than ever, the Bloomberg Businessweek reports.
Breast implants scandal to see tougher EU legislation on plastic surgery
The European commission aims to strengthen oversight of companies that certify medical devices following a breast implant scandal thought to have affected at least 400,000 women worldwide.
EC requests explanations from Latvian justice minister regarding Palink insolvency case
European Commission officials have requested explanations from Latvian Justice Minister Gaidis Berzins (All For Latvia!-For Fatherland And Freedom/LNNK) regarding Palink insolvency case.
Godmanis: talks on reduction of EU multi-annual budget under way
The talks on the reduction of the European Union's multi-annual budget for 2014-2020 started at the end of January 2012 and are currently in progress, European Parliament Member Ivars Godmanis pointed out during today's session of the Saeima European Affairs Committee.
Kesko may build a major warehouse in Estonia
Finnish trade concern Kesko is considering the possibility of building a major warehouse in Estonia that would service in addition to Finland also the Baltic states and Russian markets, LETA/Postimees Online reports.
Hot tea offered by public transport controllers in Vilnius
Extremely low and dangerous temperatures in the capital of Lithuania have led to social services being expanded in order to help those most in need, Vilnius Municipality said. Controllers are distributing free hot tea to all passengers.
Latvia wants achieve 80% average level of EU direct payments
Latvia wants to achieve 80% of the average level of EU direct payments for its farmers, Agriculture Minister Laimdota Straujuma said in an interview with the LNT morning show "900 sekundes" today.
Latvian President: young people must know at least four languages when they graduate from high school
Young people should know at least four languages upon graduating from high school, because languages present an instrument for learning new skills and advancing in life, President Andris Berzins said during a meeting with Rezekne residents today.
Ukio bankas clients bought in e-shops two times more often in 2011
In 2011 Ukio bankas went on active expansion of e-shops where it is possible to pay via Eta bankas list and gained growing interest of its clients in this service, Ukio bankas said. Last year number of settlements of Ukio bankas clients in e-shops via Eta bankas increased by 70% and turnover grew 2.3 times.
Alma Media buys CV Online
Alma Media OY bought on Thursday the Baltic States' leading Internet-based recruitment company CV Online, Äripäev.ee/LETA reports.
Pavluts: Latvia waited 20 years for Russia to join WTO
We waited nearly 20 years for Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization to ensure that its foreign trade regulations are in compliance with the principles and conditions of the global trade system, Latvian Economy Minister Daniels Pavluts announced during today's conference "Russia's accession to the WTO – business opportunities".
The europact: outcomes for the Baltic States 
