On Friday, January 8, Ambassador of Japan to Latvia Mariko Fujii met Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma during her introductory visit, by highlighting the interest to continue to expand the excellent dialogue between Latvia and Japan.
L.Straujuma expressed gratitude to Japan for its support to Latvia in negotiations on the accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The Prime Minister welcomed the expansion of trade relations - Latvia has a positive trade balance, and the volume of trade has increased by 13% in the first half of 2015. According to the Prime Minister, the prospective export industries of Latvia, which could continue to appeal to Japan, include transport and logistics, wood processing, IT, pharmacy, design, fashion and tourism. She also expressed satisfaction over the fact that the number of tourists from Japan increased by 73.6% last year. Latvia will also appreciate further investments of Japan investors in various fields, said L.Straujuma.
The officials also discussed the need to conclude a convention for the avoidance of double taxation between the Baltic States and Japan.
Aiva Rozenberga
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Phone: +371 29462451
E-mail: aiva.rozenberga@mk.gov.lv