Translated using ChatGPT service.
Continuing the visit of President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Minister of Economy Viktors Valainis to the U.S., on September 19, the Latvian delegation visited global technology leaders such as Meta, Google, and Groq. During meetings with company executives, Minister Valainis highlighted Latvia's advantages in attracting investments and the government's support for developing artificial intelligence (AI) projects. Latvia can participate in digital infrastructure projects, such as establishing data centers and connectivity solutions, with the availability of green energy being a key prerequisite.
"There is a strong interest in expanding collaboration with Latvia in discussions with major technology companies. We identified several issues that need to be addressed at both the national and European Union policy-making levels so that U.S.-based companies like Google and Meta can soon see Latvia as a regional development hub," noted Valainis.
U.S. technology company representatives highlighted the challenges posed by EU regulations, which have hindered their broader entry into Europe. In this context, Latvia's initiative to establish an AI excellence center could serve as a foundation for attracting international partners. The center aims to foster talent education, develop AI solutions locally to enhance companies' international competitiveness, and create global cooperation networks with industry leaders.
Google is already working with the Ministry of Economy and the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) on a wide-ranging support program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) called “Grow with Google,” and is also supporting the initiative “Riga Tech Girls.” Discussions with Google’s leadership also touched on the possibility of establishing a European testing base for the autonomous vehicle project "Waymo" in Latvia, where Latvia's infrastructure could support its development. Further cooperation was also discussed in the AI field, with the goal of integrating cutting-edge technologies into society and the economy. Currently, only 4.5% of Latvian companies use AI solutions, but the aim is to increase productivity through broader adoption of technology.
The trade mission to the U.S., organized by the Ministry of Economy and LIAA, is taking place from September 16 to 24, covering three cities—Houston, San Francisco, and Denver.
Accompanying President Rinkēvičs and Minister Valainis in San Francisco were companies and organizations such as SIA Handwave, AS RIX Technologies, SIA PrintyMed, SIA TestDevLab, SIA Codnity Dev, SIA Fokker Next Gen Latvia, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, AS SAF TEHNIKA, SIA Helve, SIA Tet, SIA AJ Power Holding, SIA Latvijas Mobilais Telefons, SIA Delta Green Line EU, SIA BATWATEX, SIA SWH SETS, SIA Moon Inc, SIA Rīgas Krēslu Fabrika, SIA Orbit8, SIA Ax Group, SIA Asya, AS GRINDEKS, SIA AD VERBUM, SIA Goldingen G.B., AS Siltumelektroprojekts, SIA Hyper, Latgale Planning Region, SIA KBZ, SIA Abillio, SIA Sehaci, AS Latvenergo, SIA Risk Focus LV, AS Rīgas Siltums, Slokenbergs PLLC, SIA UPCODE, AS Latvian State Radio and Television Center, SIA APPLYIT, SIA JEFF, and SIA Pelegrin.
Participation in high-level state visits abroad, organized by LIAA, is supported by the European Union co-financed Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Program with funding from the European Regional Development Fund and state resources.