At the German-Latvian Business Forum, a memorandum of cooperation is signed with the Hamburg Center for Artificial Intelligence

On May 8, 2024, a German-Latvian business forum was held in Hamburg, where the Latvia Days events are taking place, where the main emphasis was placed on the development of digital innovations and the logistics industry. Latvian Days in Germany is part of the festival program of the Port of Hamburg and will take place from May 7 to 12 with a wide business and cultural program. The Hamburg Port Festival is the largest event of its kind in the world and attracts more than 1.5 million visitors every year.

Opening the business forum, Minister of Transport Kaspars Briškens, who accompanies the delegation of businessmen, emphasized that several German capital companies are already working in Latvian ports, close cooperation is also taking place in the field of digitization. Such projects as “Rail Baltica” and “ELWIND” will mark new development opportunities, ensuring better connectivity.

The forum discussed the business development opportunities of Hamburg and Latvia. Special attention was paid to topics such as digital innovations in the field of port infrastructure and artificial intelligence solutions.

“Days of Latvia in Germany are an important step in strengthening economic relations. Northern Germany is one of our priority areas of activity with a high potential for cooperation in the field of digital innovation and logistics. The German partners emphasized their interest in closer cooperation in the field of digitization and energy. It is Germany that will potentially be one of the most important buyers of green energy in our region. To a large extent, the availability and price of energy will also determine our attractiveness in attracting investments in the production sector and other energy-intensive areas,” emphasizes Iveta Strupkāja, Acting Director of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA).

In order to strengthen cooperation, a memorandum of cooperation between Riga Technical University (RTU), Riga Business School, Latvian IT cluster and Hamburg Artificial Intelligence Center (ARIC) was signed at the business forum. German partners are already closely cooperating with scientific institutions and the startup ecosystem in the field of port development. It is an opportunity to introduce innovations faster by testing the most suitable solutions. Latvia, on the other hand, can offer its experience in the development of important IT and artificial intelligence projects, serving the state and private sector. RTU Deputy Rector Liene Briede emphasized that one of the directions of cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence will be the defense industry: “Defense is currently in focus both in Latvia, where this initiative is being led by the President Edgars Rinkēvičs, and in Germany, therefore we see a perspective of cooperation in this field, working on research issues .”

The business forum was attended by a Latvian business delegation consisting of 30 people, as well as businessmen from the German side who are looking for new cooperation partners in the Northern Corridor, which covers the Baltic and North Seas. Germany was represented at the business forum by such companies and organizations as Lufthansa, the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, the Port of Hamburg and others. On the other hand, “LMT”, “Air Baltic”, Riga Technical University, Latvian IT cluster, “Adventum Tech”, Freeports of Riga, Liepāja and Ventspils etc. participated in the forum as part of the Latvian business delegation.

LVR Fleet board member Kaspars Ozoliņš emphasized Latvia’s advantages in the field of digital innovations in the development of port infrastructure. “Compared to many of Europe’s leading ports, we look very good in terms of innovation. We see wide opportunities for cooperation with the Port of Hamburg as well. At the moment, in cooperation with “LMT”, we already provide 5G coverage in the water area of ​​the port of Riga, which allows to model twin ships, perform accurate measurements in online mode and use underwater drones”.

The business program will continue until May 10, while from May 9 to 12 Latvia will participate in the Hamburg Port Festival as a partner country. A wide cultural program and other activities are planned. Titled organist Iveta Apkalnas, groups CARNIVAL YOUTH and DAGAMBA will perform at the events of the Latvian Days. Also, during the festival, violinist Baiba Skride will perform at the Elba Philharmonic. The festival will be complemented by a wide range of activities for all age groups. A special event for the smallest guests will be a meeting with Latvian children’s friends Tutu, Lapsa and Fenek.

Adult visitors can expect inspiring encounters with Carl Bardeli, an adventurer and holder of six Guinness World Records, who was the first person to row across the Pacific Ocean from South America to Asia in 715 days.

The festival also offers to get acquainted with Latvian folk music and dance traditions, the almost forgotten craft of basket weaving and tempting culinary creations – traditional Latvian dishes served in a modern street food style. At the market stalls, you will be able to buy the products of Latvian companies, including jewelry, ceramics and sustainable toys.

Another object to be highlighted is Riga’s full-length big rooster, which greets all visitors and invites to a unique photo opportunity.

In order to strengthen cooperation with Germany, LIAA has also expanded its representation in this country to two people since May.

Latvian Days in Germany is organized by LIAA, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Transport. The event is part of Latvia’s external marketing strategy MissionLatvia .