From October 13 to 17, a Latvian business delegation of around 50 participants, led by Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, will travel to Washington, D.C. to take part in one of the world’s largest defense industry exhibitions — the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition — as well as the “Spotlight Latvia” conference organized by the Latvian American Chamber of Commerce (LACC).
The mission focuses on companies from the defense, energy, and ICT sectors, with the main goal of boosting Latvia’s dual-use and defense industry exports to North America and attracting €1 billion in investment projects over the next three years.
Minister Viktors Valainis emphasizes: “Our goal is to increase Latvian defense industry exports to the U.S. by at least 20% within three years. This mission is an important step toward attracting €1 billion in new investments in defense, energy, and high-tech sectors. The United States is Latvia’s strategic partner in both security and economic cooperation — and now is the right moment to deepen that partnership. Latvian companies offer world-class solutions in drone technology, cybersecurity, and green energy, and we want these solutions to be implemented in the U.S. market as well. Our ambition is to position Latvia as the Baltic hub for innovation and technology in the dual-use sector — a place where new production capacities and globally impactful research projects are developed.”
Comprehensive Program and High-Level Networking
The trade mission will begin with participation in the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C. — one of the world’s premier defense industry events, featuring more than 700 exhibitors from dozens of countries.
In addition to the exhibition, the program includes bilateral meetings with U.S. and Latvian policymakers and business leaders, as well as networking events with potential investors.
A key highlight of the mission will be the “Spotlight Latvia” business forum. Organized by the Latvian American Chamber of Commerce (LACC), the conference serves as a strategic platform where discussions on Latvia–U.S. and Baltic–North American cooperation in security and innovation are translated into actionable partnerships.
The conference agenda includes panel discussions on drone technologies, defense manufacturing, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure resilience, and strengthening Baltic–North American cooperation in the security domain.
Among the participating companies and organizations are Nvidia, Google, Meta, Anduril, Palantir, and leading Latvian firms such as LMT, Belss, SAF Tehnika, and Edge Autonomy, among others.
High-level speakers will include European Commission Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People Valdis Dombrovskis, Minister of Finance Arvils Ašeradens, and Minister for Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis.
Latvia’s Advantages and North American Market Potential
“North America is a strategically important market for Latvian companies — both for export expansion and investment attraction. This is especially true in the defense, cybersecurity, and drone technology sectors, where Latvia already has strong competencies and competitive companies,” notes Ieva Jāgere, Director General of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).
“This mission will enable Latvian businesses to strengthen their presence in the U.S. market and secure partnerships for high value-added projects.”
Latvia ranks among the world’s leaders in the number of drone companies per capita, and its firms are developing next-generation unmanned aerial systems, AI, and cybersecurity solutions.
“Spotlight Latvia” — From Concept to Flagship Event
LACC Co-Chairman Jānis Bergs highlights that this will be the most ambitious Latvian business conference ever held in the United States: “Latvia has become an example of how a small nation, with an innovative mindset and highly skilled professionals, can deliver solutions relevant to the world’s largest markets. This event is a significant step toward positioning Latvia as a credible partner in the North American business and security environment — and it’s crucial that we seize this moment.”
In 2024, Latvia’s exports of goods and services to the U.S. reached €991.5 million, marking a 3% increase compared to 2023. By 2025, U.S. foreign direct investment in Latvia has amounted to €392 million.
Delegation Members
The Latvian delegation includes representatives from **State Defense Corporation, Latvenergo, Edge Autonomy Riga, Oruga, Ellex Kļaviņš, the University of Latvia Foundation, University of Latvia, Defence Partnership Latvia, SILMOR, The Red Jackets Exporters Association, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Baltic Bullets, Latitude Construction, BELSS, the Cooperation Council of Agricultural Organizations, Ludzas Bio-Enerģija, MN TECH, SAPRA, Deep Space Energy, SAF, Riga Technical University / Riga Business School, Amber Hill Studio, Emergn, SPIGULIS & KUKAINIS Law Office, PRIMEKSS, Ernst & Young Baltic, RIX, Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns, Frankenburg, LMT, and Data Crunch.
About the Organizers
The trade mission is organized by the Ministry of Economics of Latvia and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) in cooperation with the Embassy of Latvia in the United States and the Latvian American Chamber of Commerce (LACC).
The mission is implemented with the support of the European Regional Development Fund.
About LIAA
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) promotes the competitiveness of Latvian entrepreneurs, export growth, investment attraction, and tourism development, while implementing Latvia’s national image policy.
As the government’s partner for business development — from idea to international markets — LIAA operates a wide network of international offices and regional business centers in Latvia, helping companies grow and positioning Latvia as a safe, innovative, and open economy in the global arena.