China, Foodstuff, Forum, Investments, Latvia, Markets and Companies

Photo: flickr.com

Straujuma underscored that the Latvian food products are of excellent quality and the Chinese market will benefit from them. She mentioned dairy, meat and fish products, as well as high-quality medical goods as an example. "Our dairy products have already reached the Chinese market and you can enjoy Latvian ice cream in Shanghai," Straujuma said.

Telling about Latvia, the prime minister indicated that Latvia's GDP has been one of the fastest growing in the EU and that the Baltic country has a stable and predictable business environment with a favorable taxation system. Furthermore, trade between Latvia and China has been picking up lately, growing by 40% this year alone, which in turn is an indication of a strong potential for mutual exchange.

Straujuma noted that Latvia has been an active participant of the China and Central-Eastern European cooperation format (16+1). Latvia has also announced its readiness to become the coordinating country in transport and logistics area in the 16+1 cooperation format.

The prime minister also praised China's investments in Latvia, especially in the areas where China has world-class technologies and skills. "We have created favorable conditions for investors at all our largest ports and special economic zones. We have high-class financial services and IT infrastructure, including one the world's fastest internet connections to meet all needs," the Latvian prime minister said.

Straujuma is on a working visit in China. She is scheduled to meet with Chinese top state officials, participate in a meeting of the heads of governments of China and Central and Eastern European countries, and meet with representatives of local companies.

Straujuma will return to Latvia on November 27.