On November 11–12, Liepāja will host the first Latvian Dual Use Export Forum 2025, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and representatives from government and the security sector from Latvia and other countries. More than 120 company representatives from Latvia, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, and Norway will participate to foster cooperation between civilian and defense industries and strengthen Latvia’s ability to offer innovative dual-use solutions in the global market.
The forum will be opened by the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia Andris Sprūds (via video address), Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, Chairman of the Liepāja City Council Gunārs Ansiņš, Deputy Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) Laura Štrovalde, and Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Exporters Association “The Red Jackets” Kaspars Rožkalns.
The forum’s location in Liepāja symbolically highlights the region’s importance in the development of Latvia’s industrial, innovation, and security infrastructure. Gunārs Ansiņš, Chairman of the Liepāja City Council, emphasizes: “Liepāja proves that manufacturing in Latvia is thriving and has a future – 79% of what is produced here is exported to global markets. Our potential continues to grow – the Liepāja Green Industrial Park is being developed to support sustainable, high-value-added manufacturing. The forum will be an opportunity for entrepreneurs to build partnerships that will strengthen both our region’s and the country’s security and export capacity.”
In the forum’s EXPO area, companies such as “UPB”, “Strops Technologies”, “Mosphera”, “Zekants”, and others will showcase their products. Participants will also be able to learn about the latest initiatives from the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and the Liepāja Special Economic Zone (LSEZ). The event will include more than 100 bilateral meetings with foreign companies and investors, creating new opportunities for partnerships and joint projects.
The panel discussion “The Strategic Importance of the Kurzeme Region for National Security” will be moderated by Līva Stūrmane, Executive Director of the Latvian Exporters Association “The Red Jackets”, with participants from “Jensen Metal”, the Liepāja Special Economic Zone, the Ministry of Defence, “Stena Line Ports”, and LIAA’s Kurzeme Regional Business Development Department. Another discussion, “Investment Opportunities and Needs for Dual-Use Goods Manufacturing”, will be moderated by Kaspars Rožkalns and will feature Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis and representatives from “Exonicus”, LIAA, “Oruga”, “Edge Autonomy”, and the Ministry of Defence.
Mārtiņš Ziemanis, Member of the Board at “Stena Line Ports”, emphasizes: “The NATO Eastern flank requires a secure, resilient, and efficient logistics chain for military mobility. Stena Line Ports Ventspils provides critical dual-use gateway infrastructure that integrates commercial and defense cargo flows, strengthening regional security and supporting the local economy.”
“Exonicus” CEO Sandis Kondrats adds: “Latvia offers strong innovation potential with low risk. It is a place where Western values meet technological excellence and the resilience of the Eastern border. This combination makes Latvia an ideal destination for partnerships and investments in future security and dual-use technologies.”
The forum will symbolically begin on November 11 at the RIX Riga Airport VIP Center – a location that highlights the importance of security and mobility in exports and international cooperation. Opening remarks will be given by representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Riga Airport, and the Exporters Association “The Red Jackets”. The presentation event will be opened by the Prime Minister’s Advisor on National Security Affairs, Airis Rikveilis. Laila Odiņa, Chairperson of the Board of RIX Riga Airport, will give a presentation on the airport’s strategy and opportunities within the new security framework.
An opportunity to strengthen export potential
According to data from the Central Statistical Bureau, in the first nine months of 2024 Latvia’s goods exports decreased by 2.9%. Small and medium-sized enterprises have been particularly affected, facing challenges in diversifying their markets. At the same time, growing global security challenges and NATO countries’ commitments to increase investment in the defense industry up to 5% of GDP are creating demand for new, reliable suppliers and partners.
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 the support of the Liepāja City Municipality.
More information and registration (until October 28): b2match.com/e/latvian-dual-use-export-forum