On November 11–12, 2025, Liepāja’s concert hall “Great Amber” will host the Latvian Dual Use Export Forum 2025 for the first time. The forum aims to bring together Latvian and international companies, policymakers, and investors to strengthen cooperation in the fields of security, defense, and innovative technologies. More than 70 Latvian and 40 foreign companies will take part.
Ieva Jāgere, Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, emphasizes:
“The Latvian Dual Use Export Forum is an important step in strengthening our country’s international competitiveness. At the same time, it provides companies with opportunities to attract strategic partners and investments, while also enhancing Latvia’s reputation as a reliable and innovative business environment. It is especially important that the cooperation established at the forum will be closely linked to sustainable development and high value-added projects, which will drive the transformation and growth of our economy.”
Symbolically, the forum will begin on November 11 at the VIP Center of Riga International Airport – a location underlining the importance of security and mobility in exports and international cooperation. Opening remarks will be delivered by representatives of the Ministry of Defense, Riga Airport, and the Exporters’ Association “The Red Jackets.”
On November 12, the main forum day will take place in Liepāja, starting with an opening session featuring speeches by representatives of the Ministry of Economics, Liepāja Municipality, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, and “The Red Jackets.” The day will continue with panel discussions on the strategic importance of the Kurzeme region in national security and on investment opportunities and needs in dual-use manufacturing. The program will also include company solution showcases in a mini EXPO, B2B matchmaking sessions, and discussions with international investors. The event is expected to foster new investment projects and sustainable international cooperation.
Līva Stūrmane, Executive Director of the Exporters’ Association “The Red Jackets,” notes:
“As a NATO and EU member state, Latvia has a strategic duty to strengthen collective security and to build a competitive export presence. Latvian companies already have much to offer – from drone technologies and cybersecurity to smart energy and new materials. This forum will help position Latvia as a reliable partner in the international environment.”
An Opportunity to Grow Export Potential
According to data from the Central Statistical Bureau, in the first nine months of 2024, export volumes decreased by 2.9%, with small and medium-sized enterprises particularly affected due to difficulties in diversifying markets. At the same time, global security conditions and NATO countries’ commitments to increase defense industry spending up to 5% of GDP are creating demand for new, reliable suppliers and partners.
Kaspars Rožkalns, Chairman of the Board of “The Red Jackets,” stresses: “The decline in exports shows that Latvian companies need new markets and opportunities, yet exports remain one of the key pillars of our economic growth. The forum will provide a chance to strengthen business cooperation with NATO and EU partners, attract investments, and bring Latvia’s innovative solutions to the international market.”
Evita Ozoliņa, Head of the Administration of the Kurzeme Planning Region, adds: “We are honored to host this important event in Kurzeme, as it offers a unique opportunity to show that the region’s value is not only in its rich cultural heritage and beautiful coastline. We have a strong logistics sector, and new, innovative companies in security, innovation, high technologies, and other fields are emerging. This forum creates opportunities to develop new export directions, strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses, and demonstrate that Kurzeme can be a significant player in promoting Latvia’s sustainable growth and security.”
The forum is organized by the Latvian Exporters’ Association “The Red Jackets” in cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and the Kurzeme Planning Region, with support from the Liepāja Municipality.
Registration and more information: b2match.com/e/latvian-dual-use-export-forum