The Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA), the German Association of Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), and the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce (AHK) signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, September 16, to help Latvian companies expand their exports to foreign markets. Businesses will have access to the expertise, contacts, and services of the German foreign trade chamber network at 150 locations in more than 90 countries.
The memorandum was signed at the Latvian booth during the international artificial intelligence festival “Big Bang AI Festival” in Berlin. Present at the signing were Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis and representatives of the Latvian business delegation, who are in Germany as part of a trade mission organized by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis noted that “Latvian companies in foreign markets need local contacts and accurate information about market requirements. With this memorandum, we are opening up the opportunity for them to leverage the knowledge and contacts of the German Chamber of Foreign Trade network in more than 90 countries. Businesses will be able to find customers and partners more quickly, while for Latvia this means broader export opportunities and new markets for our goods, services, and technologies.”
On behalf of the DIHK, the memorandum was signed by Dr. Volker Treier, the organization’s Head of Foreign Trade and a member of the Executive Board, as well as Benjamin Leipold, Head of the AHK Network and Managing Director of “DIHK DEinternational GmbH.” On behalf of the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce, the memorandum was signed by Reinhold Schneider and the organization’s Executive Director, Florian Schröder, while on behalf of LIAA, it was signed by Vita Balode-Andrūsa, Director of LIAA’s Export and Innovation Services Department.
Support for Latvian Companies in More Than 90 Countries
The German Chamber of Foreign Trade network brings together bilateral chambers of commerce, German business delegations, and representative offices around the world. The memorandum stipulates that Latvian companies will be able to access AHK services abroad under the same conditions as German companies and companies from the respective country.
The AHK offers individual market and product consultations, information on the business environment and potential cooperation partners, as well as advice on legal, public procurement, and human resources matters. These services will be available to companies for a fee in accordance with the respective chamber’s price list.
“In these challenging times, Europe must work more closely together. With this agreement, Latvian companies will gain full access to the AHK’s international business network, its expertise, and its contacts in 93 countries worldwide, where 150 AHK offices are located. Together with Estonia and Lithuania, this cooperation model now encompasses all three Baltic states, creating a strong link between the Baltics, Germany, and nearly 100 global markets,” emphasizes Florian Schröder, Executive Director of the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce (AHK).
A Dedicated Contact Point for Latvian Exporters
The memorandum provides that the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce will establish a dedicated contact point to support Latvian exports. This point will advise Latvian companies and connect them with AHK offices in relevant markets. For its part, the LIAA will inform Latvian businesses about available services and, together with the AHK, will organize one to two events per year dedicated to specific countries or regions.
Each year, the LIAA and the AHK will select two countries and, in each, two sectors in which to specifically promote exports by Latvian companies. The parties will also establish a joint steering group to agree on priorities and necessary support measures, as well as to evaluate the progress made in the previous year.
“Each year, together with our German partners, we will select two countries and two sectors to which we will devote special attention. The LIAA will invite Latvian companies that are ready to launch or expand their operations in the selected markets to participate. Representatives of the German Chambers of Foreign Trade in the respective countries will provide information on market requirements and help identify potential customers and business partners. “Latvian companies will receive concrete support for their work in the selected markets,” notes Vita Balode-Andrūsa, Director of the LIAA’s Export and Innovation Services Department.
The memorandum of understanding has been signed for one year and will be automatically extended unless one of the parties decides to terminate the cooperation. It also provides for the possibility of developing special support programs in the future for Latvian companies wishing to enter selected foreign markets.
One of the outcomes of the Latvian business delegation’s trade mission
The signing of the memorandum is one of the outcomes of the Latvian business delegation’s trade mission to Germany. The mission in Berlin is taking place from September 14 to 17 and includes companies from the information and communication technology, financial technology, life sciences, smart energy, defense, and dual-use technology sectors. The program includes visits to companies and innovation centers, participation in industry events, and one-on-one business meetings with potential German partners and investors.
Germany is Latvia’s largest export market outside the Baltic states. Since 2020, Latvia’s exports of goods and services to Germany have grown by more than 40%—from 1.47 billion euros to approximately 2.1 billion euros in 2025. Last year, Latvia exported more to Germany alone than to the U.S., France, and China combined. Growth is continuing this year as well: in the first half of 2026, exports to Germany increased by 11%, while Latvia’s total exports rose by 6%. Germany is also Latvia’s largest market for service exports—in 2025, service exports reached 779 million euros. There are more than 1,000 companies with German capital operating in Latvia, with a total investment in share capital exceeding 800 million euros.
Photo gallery: Signing of the memorandum
©️ Photothek/LIAA
Participation in trade missions abroad is organized by the LIAA as part of the European Union-co-financed Program for the Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), with support from the European Regional Development Fund and state funding. A company may participate in a trade mission either by paying a fee or by receiving support to cover eligible expenses.
