Working visit of non-governmental organisations representing Latgale region to Oslo
From October 5 to October 7 of that year, representatives of non-governmental organisations representing Latgale region visited Oslo in Norway. The visit was organised by Latgale planning region “strengthening capacity of the programme co-financed by the Norwegian Financial Instrument and institutional cooperation between Latvian and Norwegian state institutions, local and regional authorities” within the framework of the project “Implementation of regional policy activities in Latvia and development of regional development activities” in cooperation with the Latvian Investment and Development Agency representation in Norway. The visit was organised with the aim of promoting the production of Latgale producers and creating new outlets.
A total of 15 representatives of the region from various organisations representing the interests of various Latgale entrepreneurs, which have joined these societies, including three representatives from the city of Rezekne and the municipality of Latvia, took part in the journey. Gravtex (Rēzekne municipality parish Griškānu civil parish), Latgale carpenter (Rezekne), Heartbeat (Rēzekne municipality parish Maltas parish)
In order to obtain knowledge of the specificities in cooperation with Norway, business opportunities in that country, trade and shipment of goods to Norway, several workshops were visited for the quality and standards of construction. Extensive information on collective agreements and remuneration conditions for the textile and clothing industry workers was obtained. Similarly, Latgale entrepreneurs discussed cooperation opportunities in construction, textile and metal industries in a round table with the Norwegian Construction Federation and the Norwegian Industry Federation. During the visit, Latgale entrepreneurs met with potential partners in Norway. Entrepreneurs of the Norwegian side were interested in the offers of entrepreneurs in our region, and negotiations were launched on further cooperation.
Latvian businessmen were admitted to their residence by the Ambassador of Latvia to the Kingdom of Norway Indulis Abbelis. In his speech he welcomed the visit of Latgale business representatives to Norway. He also hoped that this visit would be the basis for successful cooperation in the future.
At the end of the trip, the Latgale Planning Region Business Centre, the association “Latgale Storage Technology Centre” and Oslo International Hub concluded mutual agreement on further cooperation for the development of host activities in both regions. As pointed out by Alīna Gendele, President of the Development Council of Latgale Planning Region, such agreement will help our entrepreneurs to build closer business contacts with Norwegian entrepreneurs, promote cooperation opportunities and create a market.
The aim of the project is to strengthen the capacity of local governments and regions of Latvia and to provide support for the promotion of entrepreneurship.
The main activities of Latgale will be aimed at activating local resources and local partnerships between entrepreneurs, local public authorities, cultural and educational institutions, the financial sector and the non-governmental sector and increasing the level of development of the region.
Project implementer: Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development.
Project partners in Latvia: Latgale, Vidzeme, Riga, Zemgale and Kurzeme planning regions.
Project Partners in Norway: Norwegian Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Oppland Regional Municipality and Aust-Agder Regional Government.
Total project costs of all partners: EUR 1 172 029.00
Additional information about the project available http://latgale.lv/lv/luc/projekti/nfi_proj_reg_pol_akt_ist and http://www.varam.gov.lv/lat/fondi/grants/EEZ_2009_2014/nfi_programma/?doc=14951