For many years, it has been emphasized that Latvia lags behind not only the “old” European countries in terms of economic development, but also its neighbors – Lithuania and Estonia. Meanwhile, the government has ambitious plans to promote smart industries and attract foreign investors. There is also talk about the development of industry, but there is a barrier to this – the reluctance of residents to see new facilities near their homes.
Foreign investors rated the investment climate in Latvia with the historically lowest mark so far – the investment climate in Latvia in their assessment in 2023 was 1.9 points out of five. Compared to the measurements of 2022, the rating decreased by 0.4 points.
In general, the society is in favor of new infrastructure, production plants, social objects. Many would be willing to help the homeless with a few euros, but the shelter next door is hardly the same. Another example – everyone needs clean water, but will many want to live near a sewage treatment plant? It’s the same with production plants – we want to be energy independent, but we don’t like regeneration stations, wind turbines. However, if such objects are at a greater distance from the house, people are less likely to object to them, because they will be able to enjoy benefits – clean water from the tap, receive lower electricity bills.
NIMBY, CAVE and BANANA
Read the whole article in newspapers Day in the issue of Thursday, April 25! If you want to continue reading the content of the newspaper in printed form, you can subscribe to it by clicking here!
Article price: €0.40
More information
