Business
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Interview: Reinis Rubenis, CEO, Swedbank Latvia
What challenges is the Latvian financial sector facing? One challenge for the Latvian banking sector is the number of banks. There are far too many banks in Latvia for such a small economy. Over the next five years, we will definitely see further consolidations taking place. This consolidation is necessary. A positive aspect of the…
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Interview: Janis Lucaus, CEO, BTA
How do you assess the insurance sector? Even though the sector caters to a small market in terms of population, it is highly competitive and evolving. A key factor to take into consideration is the number of competitors and a clear increase of international insurance players within the market. Competition has been beneficial for the…
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Interview: Edgars Rinkevics, Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs
What are Latvia’s most prominent accomplishments? Latvia is an integral part of Europe and in May 2019 will celebrate 15 years as a part of the European Union. We are part of the eurozone, Schengen, and the OECD. Latvia operates according to similar legislation, rules, and principles as The Netherlands, Germany or Ireland. Therefore, Latvia…
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Baiba A. Rubesa, CEO, Rail Baltica, on creating a new economic corridor
Rail Baltica, a new railway infrastructure connecting the three Baltic States to Poland and indirectly to Finland, is often called the project of the century. This project marks a symbolic return of the Baltic States to Europe. Currently, most rail freight traffic in the Baltics originates from the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries and…
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Interview: Uldis Augulis, Latvian Minister for Transport
What opportunities exist to foment further transit? Latvia is situated in a very privileged geographical position. Within the Baltic States, Latvia is the focal point connecting the West to the East. Our warm-water ports currently account for the biggest cargo freight transportation amongst the Baltic countries. Transit, logistics, and distribution of goods through Latvian ports…
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Interview: Svens Dinsdorfs, CEO, Elko Group
What is your outlook for Latvia’s Economy? Latvia’s financial crisis had a big psychological impact on society in terms of spending. Since then, Latvia has experienced a slow but gradual increase in internal consumption which has aided the countries turnaround. The confidence of the population is continuously increasing which is directly boosting internal demand. This…
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Interview: Marta Jaksona, Executive Director, Foreign Investors’ Council in Latvia (FICIL)
How do you assess current foreign direct investments in Latvia? I would like to see higher levels of investment. Foreign direct investments in Latvia increased sharply after Latvia’s accession to the EU in 2004. After the crisis, the investment slowed. However, we saw this in the entire EU. The fight for investments is obviously increasing.…
