Translated using ChatGPT service.
From October 15 to 17, Berlin will host the "Smart Country Convention," Europe's most significant exhibition dedicated to the digitalization of public administration, where Latvia will participate as a partner country. This offers a broad opportunity to showcase Latvia’s capabilities and developed solutions in digitalization. Before that, on October 14, the Latvian-German Municipalities Forum will take place.
As one of the leaders in public digitalization in the European Union, Latvia has been chosen as the official partner country of the German public digitalization exhibition, "Smart Country Convention," to share its experience in implementing digital solutions in public administration, municipalities, and state enterprises.
“The digitalization of various processes in Latvia's public administration has reached an impressive level, and as a partner country at the 'Smart Country Convention 2024,' Latvia will have the opportunity to present 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,” emphasized Raivis Bremšmits, Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).
The visit, which will include meetings with various German companies, including representatives of the military industry and German officials, will be led by President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis. They will be accompanied by a Latvian delegation of 125 entrepreneurs and municipal representatives.
The "Smart Country Convention" exhibition will be attended by more than 15,000 participants. The event will be opened on October 15 at the Berlin Exhibition Center by President E. Rinkēvičs and Germany's Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser. The exhibition will focus on digitalization, technology, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data protection.
Latvia and the Baltic states, in general, have established themselves as leaders in digitalization and data security. In Latvia, 84% of internet users use state e-services and digital identification. More than 91% of public sector services are available online. Latvia is the only EU member state where the administrative process in the construction sector is fully digitalized.
On October 15, alongside the convention in Berlin, a Latvian defense industry event, organized in collaboration with the German Defense Industry Association, will take place. It is expected to attract approximately 70 participants, mainly from Germany's military and defense sectors. The event will be opened by President E. Rinkēvičs.
In 2023, Germany was Latvia’s third-largest goods export partner and second-largest import partner. Latvian exports to Germany amounted to €1.26 billion, while imports from Germany totaled €2.61 billion. In 2023, exports to Germany represented 6.6% of Latvia’s total exports, and imports from Germany accounted for 11.2% of total imports. Latvia's primary export products to Germany include wood products, machinery, equipment, and electrical goods, while most imports from Germany consist of vehicles, machinery, equipment, electrical goods, and chemical products. In the first half of 2024, Latvian exports to Germany were €609.6 million, while imports from Germany reached €1.19 billion.
The trade mission in Germany will include participation from Latvian companies and organizations such as "TET," "Mobilly," "LMT," "Nordic Homes," "TIAMO grupa," "Adventum Tech," "Tilde," "TESLA," "ZZ Dats," "WeAreDots," "Tietovery," "Zvaigznāja komanda," "Apply," "CMB," "EdTech," "Helmes," "Brīvs," "University of Latvia," "UberHint," "Lielvārds," "Datorium," "Riga Business School," "The German-Latvian Chamber of Commerce," "Latvian Wood Construction Cluster," and the "IT Cluster," as well as representatives from municipalities and other institutions.
LIAA organizes participation in high-level state official visits abroad under the EU co-financed Innovative Business Development Program for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with support from the European Regional Development Fund and state funding.