From 7 to 12 May, Latvia Days in Germany will be held with an extensive business and cultural programme, which will be part of the Hamburg Port Festival programme, expected to draw over 1.5 million attendees.
"Germany is one of Latvia's most important economic cooperation partners in export, tourism, and investment attraction, which is why we have accepted the invitation to become a partner country of the Hamburg Port Festival. It will be an opportunity to strengthen business relations and at the same time present Latvia as a tourist destination, as this is the largest port festival in the world and the most widely attended event in Hamburg," says Iveta Strupkaja, Acting Director General of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), adding that the main topics of the business programme will be digitization, especially artificial intelligence solutions, and logistics.
From 7 to 10 May, Hamburg will also host a visit by the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Latvia, Kaspars Briskens, and a delegation of 30 entrepreneurs, including representatives of Latvian companies and organizations such as LMT, Air Baltic, Riga Technical University, the Latvian IT Cluster, Adventum Tech, the Freeports of Riga, Liepaja, Ventspils, etc.
The German-Latvian Business Forum will take place on 8 May and focus on cooperation in digitalization and logistics. "Digitalization is an essential topic in Germany, both in the private and public sectors, where Latvia can offer its solutions. Several Latvian companies operating in the information and communication technology sector are already working closely with German customers, while Latvian companies operating in the logistics and port infrastructure sector are currently looking for new partners to increase the flow of cargo and expand production in port areas," says I. Strupkaja. The German-Latvian Business Forum is organized in cooperation with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and the Hamburg Ministry of Economic Affairs and Innovation. The business delegation, led by Kaspars Brisken, will also visit several infrastructure facilities in the Port of Hamburg, the innovation centers DESY, and the HHLA Next. DESY is one of the world's leading accelerator centers specializing in nanomaterials and biomolecular processes. HHLA Next is a center that supports the development of start-ups, with a particular focus on future mobility.
The Latvia Days at the Hamburg Port Festival will take place from 9 to 12 May and will be opened by Iveta Apkalna, honorary organist of the Elbe Philharmonic, and will also feature performances by DAGAMBA and Carnival Youth. Attendees will also have the chance to draw inspiration from the 6 Guinness World Records holder and adventurer Karlis Bardelis, the first person in the world to cross the Pacific Ocean from South America to Asia in 715 days by rowing boat.
The event agenda features various activities designed to accommodate participants of all ages. Notably, special attention has been given to the youngest attendees. Children will be able to engage with beloved Latvian characters Tuta, Fox, and Fenek, who will provide games and entertainment suitable for the whole family.
Participants will also have an opportunity to expand their horizons by participating in Latvian crafts workshops and discovering Latvia's culinary delights—unique burgers and traditional beer, sure to enchant every palate.
The custom market will feature items from Latvian companies, such as jewelry, ceramics, toys, and various healthy snacks.
Economic collaboration between Latvia and Germany encompasses various sectors such as mechanical engineering, automation and robotics, IT, smart and innovative technologies, start-ups, pharmaceuticals, timber, energy, and more.
In 2023, Germany was Latvia's 2nd largest foreign trade partner. Latvian exports to Germany amounted to €1.3 billion, while imports from Germany amounted to €2.6 billion. In 2023, Latvia's exports to Germany accounted for 6.9% of its total exports, while imports accounted for 11.2% of its total imports. Latvia's most important exports to Germany are wood products, machinery, and electrical goods. The most important imports from Germany are vehicles, machinery, machinery and electrical equipment, and chemical products.
Latvia Days in Germany are organized by LIAA in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Transport. The event will be part of Latvia's external marketing strategy #MissionLatvia.