On Monday 9 July, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis met with Suma Chakrabarti, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Rīga. During the meeting, the officials discussed the cooperation between Latvia and the EBRD, as well as economic processes in the country.
M. Kučinskis pointed out that the main goal of the Latvian government is to ensure the sustainability of economic growth in the country when addressing both global challenges and national-level issues.
"We are currently shifting the focus on a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy. One of the tasks - digitalization and data-based growth," said M. Kučinskis.
It has also been pointed out that the government remains committed to reforms in education and health, improving the business environment and combating the shadow economy.
During the meeting, the officials focused on energy efficiency issues. The Prime Minister highlighted the need to implement energy efficiency projects for residential buildings while pointing to the difficulties in this area, given that the implementation of such projects requires the consent of all apartment owners. It was also mentioned that the regions of Latvia have been much more active in the area of energy efficiency of buildings than the capital city Rīga.
"There is great potential for the EBRD to be involved in such areas as energy efficiency, energy security and innovation," said M. Kučinskis.
Both parties agreed that Latvia and the EBRD should further cooperate, especially in the fields of economic transformation and education. M. Kučinskis welcomed the cooperation with EBRD and assistance during the financial crisis. He also called for more active involvement, confirming the need for the EBRD’s presence in Latvia. The EBRD has been a reliable partner of Latvia since the restoration of independence in 1991. The EBRD’s support during the last crisis, providing support for the restructuring of the banking sector, should be highlighted.
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Mob: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv