A Japanese Diary - building bridges between Japan and Latvia

An official visit by Emperor Akhihito and Empress Michiko to Latvia

On the 25^th of May, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, the heads of state of Japan visited Latvia. This was a historic occasion as it is the first time the Japanese Imperial family has visited a part of the former Soviet Union. Latvia was particularly honoured to have been chosen for this prestigious visit.

The Imperial couple began their visit by laying a wreath at Freedom Monument in the heart of Riga before talking to Latvian and Japanese residents who had lined up at the monument to witness the occasion. Following on from this Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the Occupation Museum in the Old Town to learn about Latvia’s historic past. At the same time they met with students from the University of Latvia who are studying Japanese in the Department of Oriental Studies. They also met pupils from the Riga Cultural Secondary School.

Finally, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga hosted luncheon for the Imperial couple. In addition, cherry trees were planted in the central park by the Japanese Ambassador as a symbol of peace and friendship between Japan and Latvia.

Although a visit from such a prestigious head of state is a logistical nightmare, Latvia has had a lot of practise. This year alone they have received visits from The Queen of England, The Queen of the Netherlands, The President of America (twice), most of the heads of State in Europe and a NATO conference! Latvia is clearly the place to be.

From the left: Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the President of Latvia, and Akihito, the Emperor of Japan
Photo by Uldis Briedis, Diena

Latvian Business and Investment Seminar

On the 11^th of May, Mr. Ozols, The Director of the LIAA travelled from Latvia to Germany to present a Latvian Business and Investment Seminar in Düsseldorf. The project was in collaboration with the Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Düsseldorf. Mr. Ozols made a presentation on the Latvian economy, business opportunities and the business climate in Latvia to a crowd of eager Japanese participants.

Mr. Nagatsuka, the Japanese Coordinator, then outlined the schedule of The Latvian Investment Tour, which will take place in and around Riga on the 28^th of June. During the Tour the participants will be able to attend an investment seminar, where government leaders and experts will discuss the Latvian business environment and the numerous investment opportunities that are available in Latvia. They will also visit factories and industrial parks, followed by a sightseeing tour of Old Riga and finally a visit to Jurmala, a seaside resort town. Last year the Latvian Logistics Tour was organised for Japanese businessmen residing in Russia with a particular emphasis on the possibilities of using Latvia to supply goods needed in Russia’s North West region. This investment seminar represents another step by the LIAA in its constant efforts to attract and assist Japanese investment to Latvia.