The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce (AHK) signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, 16 September, to help Latvian companies develop exports in foreign markets. Businesses will gain access to the knowledge, contacts and services of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad network, which operates through 150 offices in more than 90 countries.
The memorandum was signed at the Latvian stand during the international Big Bang AI Festival in Berlin. The signing ceremony was attended by Latvia’s Minister for Economics, Viktors Valainis, and representatives of the Latvian business delegation visiting Germany as part of a trade mission organised by LIAA and the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in the Federal Republic of Germany.
“Latvian companies need local contacts and accurate information about market requirements when entering foreign markets. Through this memorandum, we are giving them the opportunity to use the knowledge and contacts of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad network in more than 90 countries. Businesses will be able to find customers and cooperation partners more quickly, while Latvia will gain broader export opportunities and new markets for our goods, services and technologies,” Minister for Economics Viktors Valainis said.
On behalf of DIHK, the memorandum was signed by Dr Volker Treier, Chief Executive of Foreign Trade and member of the Executive Board, and Benjamin Leipold, Head of the AHK Network and Managing Director of DIHK DEinternational GmbH. On behalf of the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce, it was signed by Reinhold Schneider and the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Florian Schröder. LIAA was represented by Vita Balode-Andrūsa, Director of its Export and Innovation Services Department.
Support for Latvian companies in more than 90 countries
The German Chambers of Commerce Abroad network brings together bilateral chambers of commerce, delegations of German industry and commerce, and representative offices worldwide. Under the memorandum, Latvian companies will be able to access AHK services abroad on the same terms as German companies and businesses from the respective country.
AHK provides tailored market and product advice, information about the business environment and prospective partners, as well as guidance on legal matters, public procurement and human resources. These services will be available to companies for a fee, according to the price list of the relevant chamber.
“Europe needs to cooperate more closely in these challenging times. Through this agreement, Latvian companies will gain full access to AHK’s international business network, its expertise and contacts in 93 countries around the world, where 150 AHK offices operate. Together with Estonia and Lithuania, this cooperation model now covers all three Baltic states, creating a strong link between the Baltics, Germany and almost 100 global markets,” emphasised Florian Schröder, Chief Executive Officer of the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce (AHK).
Dedicated contact point for Latvian exporters
The memorandum provides for the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce to establish a dedicated contact point to support Latvian exporters. It will advise Latvian companies and connect them with AHK offices in their markets of interest. LIAA, meanwhile, will inform Latvian businesses about the available services and, together with AHK, organise one or two events annually focusing on specific countries or regions.
Each year, LIAA and AHK will select two countries and two sectors in each of them in which to provide targeted support for Latvian exports. The parties will also establish a joint steering group to agree on priorities and the necessary support measures, as well as evaluate the results achieved during the previous year.
“Each year, together with our German partners, we will select two countries and two sectors on which to place particular emphasis. LIAA will invite Latvian companies that are ready to begin or expand their operations in the selected markets to participate. Representatives of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad in the respective countries will provide information about market requirements and help identify prospective customers and cooperation partners. Latvian companies will therefore receive practical support for operating in the selected markets,” said Vita Balode-Andrūsa, Director of LIAA’s Export and Innovation Services Department.
The memorandum of understanding has been concluded for one year and will be renewed automatically unless one of the parties decides to terminate the cooperation. It also provides for the possibility of developing dedicated support programmes in the future for Latvian companies seeking to enter selected foreign markets.
One of the outcomes of the Latvian business trade mission
The signing of the memorandum is one of the outcomes of the Latvian business trade mission to Germany. The mission is taking place in Berlin from 14 to 17 September and includes companies operating in information and communications technology, financial technology, life sciences, smart energy, defence and dual-use technologies. The programme features visits to companies and innovation centres, participation in industry events, and individual business meetings with prospective German partners and investors.
Germany is Latvia’s largest export market outside the Baltic states. Since 2020, Latvia’s exports of goods and services to Germany have increased by more than 40%, from €1.47 billion to approximately €2.1 billion in 2025. Last year, Latvia exported more to Germany alone than to the United States, France and China combined. Growth has continued this year: during the first half of 2026, exports to Germany increased by 11%, compared with a 6% rise in Latvia’s total exports. Germany is also Latvia’s largest market for service exports, which reached €779 million in 2025. More than 1,000 companies with German capital operate in Latvia, with their combined investment in share capital exceeding €800 million.
LIAA organises participation in international trade missions under the European Union co-financed programme for the development of innovative entrepreneurship among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with support from the European Regional Development Fund and national funding. Companies may participate in trade missions either for a fee or by receiving financial support to cover eligible costs.
