On Thursday, April 23, the Latvian-Polish Business Forum, organized by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), began in Warsaw and was opened by Latvian Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis. The forum brings together business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from both countries to strengthen economic cooperation and forge new partnerships in the defense and security, information and communication technology (ICT), and energy sectors.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis emphasized:
“Poland is a strategically important partner for Latvia—both economically and geopolitically. Our cooperation is based on shared interests in strengthening regional security, developing technologies, and building resilient supply chains. Today’s forum is an opportunity to move from discussions to concrete projects, particularly in areas where Latvian companies can offer high-value-added solutions.”
The opening session was attended by Michał Baranowski, State Secretary at the Polish Ministry of Economic Development and Technology (via video address), Aigars Rostovskis, President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Marek Kłoczko, President of the Polish Chamber of Commerce (Marek Kłoczko).
Michał Baranowski, State Secretary at the Polish Ministry of Economic Development and Technology:
“Poland is an important partner for the Baltic states, including Latvia. Our economic ties are already close—our country is one of Latvia’s main trading partners, and the volume of mutual trade amounts to approximately 3.1 billion euros, of which more than 2.5 billion euros are Polish exports. At the same time, there remains significant potential for further growth, particularly through increased imports from Latvia.”
A structured program focused on practical cooperation
The business forum’s program is designed with an emphasis on developing specific cooperation opportunities through thematic panel discussions on defense and security, ICT, and energy.
The defense and security panel discussion will feature industry experts from both countries, including representatives from the Polish Dual Use Chamber—a key platform for fostering cooperation between the dual-use and defense industries—as well as experts from WB Group. WB Group is one of the leading companies in Poland’s private defense industry, specializing in unmanned systems, combat management solutions, and modern military technologies, and is a key player in Poland’s defense industry exports.
The ICT panel discussion will focus on digital transformation, cybersecurity, and the development of international technology projects, featuring representatives from Latvia’s leading technology companies and experts from Digital Poland. Digital Poland is one of the most significant national organizations in the digital sector, bringing together technology companies and promoting the development of the country’s digital economy, including in the fields of cloud technology, artificial intelligence, and information technology (IT) services.
Meanwhile, the energy panel will discuss issues related to sustainable energy, infrastructure, and regional cooperation, including in the context of port development and energy projects.
The forum brings together approximately 100 participants—entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and researchers. The program concludes with an extensive networking session and individual (B2B) meetings, which are among the most significant practical benefits of such forums.
Economic relations between Latvia and Poland are characterized by high trade volumes and close industrial cooperation. In 2025, the trade turnover of goods and services between the two countries reached approximately 3.9 billion euros. Latvia’s exports to Poland amounted to approximately 1.06 billion euros, while imports totaled around 2.88 billion euros, currently resulting in a trade deficit of approximately 1.8 billion euros. This also highlights significant potential for growth in Latvian exports to this market.
Trade missions as a tool for achieving concrete results
The Latvia–Poland Business Forum is part of the trade missions organized by the LIAA, which aim to achieve concrete business results—new export deals, partnerships, and investment projects—by promoting Latvian entrepreneurship and stimulating the creation of new jobs. Such visits provide a structured platform for companies, allowing them to quickly establish contacts with potential partners and advance negotiations toward practical projects.
Among the Polish participants in the forum are several major companies and organizations from various sectors. Signify Poland Sp. z o.o., a company specializing in smart lighting and energy-efficient solutions, develops modern lighting technology solutions, while FABE Polska Sp. z o.o., an infrastructure and construction company, specializes in the implementation of large-scale engineering projects. SEMICON Sp. z o.o., a company in the electronics and semiconductor sector, operates in the high-tech sector, while industrial solutions manufacturer DEMARKO S.A. develops specialized technologies for transportation and industrial equipment.
The Legnica Special Economic Zone facilitates the entry of foreign investors into the Polish market and the development of industrial projects. Meanwhile, the Polish Dual-Use Technology Chamber focuses on promoting innovation and cooperation in the security and defense sector.
The ICT and innovation sectors are represented by digital technology companies Phonemic Sp. z o.o. and SPLINE Sp. z o.o., which develop software and digital solutions.
LIAA Director Ieva Jāgere notes:
“Poland is one of the most promising cooperation partners for Latvian companies, particularly in the technology and energy sectors. We see great potential in the development of joint projects—both in the defense industry and in digital solutions and smart energy. The LIAA’s mission is to help companies not only initiate negotiations but also reach concrete agreements and establish long-term cooperation within international supply chains.”
The Latvia–Poland Business Forum is the central event of this phase of the trade mission, and following it, the Latvian delegation will continue its visit to Ukraine, where a similar business forum will take place, focusing on practical cooperation and the involvement of Latvian companies in Ukraine’s reconstruction projects.
Participation in the trade mission abroad is organized by the LIAA as part of the European Union-co-financed Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), with support from the European Regional Development Fund and state funding.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
