Business, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Investments, Latvia, Markets and Companies

Artis Kampars.

At the forum, the minister noted that opportunities exist for Latvian and Czech entrepreneurs to form partnerships in such sectors as transport and logistics, machine building and metal working, wood processing, information technology, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, education and science, and tourism.

At the same time, Kampars stressed Latvia's advantageous geographical location, which provided opportunities to access markets in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, writes LETA.

Yesterday, August 30, Kampars also met with Czech Minister for Industry and Trade Martin Kocourek in order to discuss matters of bilateral economic cooperation. Kampars stressed Latvia's wish to deepen its economic links with the Czech Republic, developing contacts and exchange of information between businesspeople from the two countries.

Kampars is currently on a working visit to the Czech Republic, accompanying President Valdis Zatlers on his state visit.

In the first half of 2010, Latvia's external trade turnover with the Czech Republic reached EUR 93.8 million (LVL 65.6 million), which places the Czech Republic in 22nd place among Latvia's external trade partners.

Over the period, exports from Latvia totaled EUR 55.4 million (LVL 39 million), while imports totaled EUR 38.4 million (LVL 27 million).