From October 15 to 17, Berlin will host the "Smart Country Convention," Europe's premier exhibition focused on the digitalization of public administration, with Latvia participating as a partner country. This event presents a valuable opportunity to highlight Latvia's innovations and solutions in digitalization. Furthermore, before that, the Latvian-German Municipal Forum will be held on October 14, offering additional avenues for collaboration and discussion.
As one of the leaders in public digitization in the European Union, Latvia has been selected as an official partner country of the German public digitization exhibition "Smart Country Convention" to present its expertise in implementing digital solutions across public administration, municipalities, and public enterprises.
"Latvian public administrations have reached a remarkable level in digitizing various processes, and Latvia, as a partner country at the “Smart Country Convention 2024”, will be able to share the solutions offered by our companies in various fields. This is an opportunity for Latvian companies to enter the German market and establish valuable contacts for future cooperation," said Raivis Bremsmits, Director General of LIAA.
The visit, led by the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics, and Minister of Economics, Viktors Valainis, will include meetings with various German companies, including those from the military industry, as well as German officials. They will be accompanied by a delegation of 125 representatives from Latvian businesses and local government.
More than 15,000 exhibitors will participate in the “Smart Country Convention”, which will be opened on October 15 at the Berlin Exhibition Centre by the President of Latvia and the Federal Minister of the Interior and Community, Nancy Faeser. The exhibition will focus on digitalization, technology, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data protection.
Latvia and the Baltic States have become leaders in digitalization and data security. In Latvia, 84% of internet users utilize government e-services and digital identification, and over 91% of public sector services are available online. Notably, Latvia is the only EU Member State where the entire administrative process in the construction sector is entirely digitized.
On 15 October, the Latvian defense industry representatives, in cooperation with the German Defence Industry Association, will organize an event in Berlin. Around 70 participants, mainly from the German military and defense sector, are expected to attend. The event will be opened by the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics.
In 2023, Germany was Latvia's 3rd largest export partner and 2nd largest import partner for goods. Latvia's exports to Germany totaled €1.26 billion, while imports reached €2.61 billion. Goods exported to Germany comprised 6.6% of Latvia's total exports, while imports from Germany accounted for 11.2% of total imports. Latvia's key exports to Germany include wood products, machinery, and electrical goods. In the first six months of 2024, exports to Germany amounted to €609.6 million, while imports totaled €1.19 billion.
Latvian companies and organizations participating in the trade mission to Germany include: TET; Mobilly; LMT; Nordic Homes; TIAMO Group; Adventum Tech; Tilde; TESLA; ZZ Dats; WeAreDots; Tietoevry; Zvaigznāja komanda; Apply; CMB; EdTech; Helmes; Brīvs; University of Latvia; UberHint; Lielvārds; Datorium; Riga Business School; German-Latvian Chamber of Commerce; Latvian Wood Construction Cluster; IT Cluster.
LIAA organizes the participation of high-ranking government officials in international visits within the framework of the Innovative Business Development Programme for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), co-financed by the European Union with support from the European Regional Development Fund and national funding.