Many for some reason unjustifiably believe that Latvia is a country in which practically nothing is being produced. Yes, unfortunately, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, this small Baltic state experienced a severe economic crisis due to the rupture of economic and industrial relations with other former republics of the USSR that were clearly established over the years. However, today it is already possible to confidently state that the Latvian industry is alive and even shows signs of growth. We will consider this topic in the most detail in the article.
Food and Textiles
The light and food industries are those sectors of the national economy of the Latvian state that have been slowly increasing their turnover in recent years. Yes, this process is not going as fast as we would like, but the dynamics are still positive, and Riga knitwear is already being implemented not only within Latvia, but also in other countries of the world.
It is worth noting that the production of food and drinks gives a quarter of the total gross income of the country. Moreover, more and more often in stores you can see local products that were previously brought from abroad. The Latvian food industry in the domestic market is represented by such major players: Rīgas piena kombināts, Dobeles dzirnavnieks, Antaris, Rīgas dzirnavnieks, Aloja-starkelsen, Cido grupa, Balticovo, Puratos, Spilve.
Work in Latvia in the food industry is focused on the stable export of hard cheeses, butter, milk, canned fish, fruit and berry preparations, pickles, grain and meat products, confectionery, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. All this is delivered even to the USA, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates. In addition, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia are regular partners in the production of food products.
As for light industry, there are basically no large companies in Latvia in this segment of the economy. The only exception is the Lauma factory. According to experts, the textile sector provides about 4% of the country's industrial income. At the same time, local manufacturers have repeatedly noted that they are able to significantly increase the volume of output, however, there is an acute shortage of labor and qualified personnel. The most famous enterprises are Stora Enso Latvija, Verems, Gaujas koks, Pata AB, BSW, Latsin.
An integral part of textile production can be called the production of beautiful underwear, the quality and design of which was highly appreciated at many international exhibitions both in Europe and in the Russian Federation. Designers from Latvia have already gained worldwide recognition, because they often participate in a variety of numerous fashion shows. Riga knitwear is recognized by many world consumers as high-quality products.
A distinctive feature of the sewing giants of Latvia is that they fulfill their orders very quickly. This became possible due to the fact that the factories use modern technologies: high - precision laser cutting of fabrics, short-term cutting and production of waterproof fabrics.
Release of paper and paper products
The Latvian industry also includes the pulp industry. This industry provides income to the state budget in the amount of 2% of the volume of the entire existing industrial environment. Despite such a small figure, the Latvian printing industry shows that it is very competitive in the world market. A good trend has now taken shape: Latvian paper manufacturers are reaching new heights, starting to sell their environmentally friendly products not only in neighboring Scandinavian countries, but also in the more western corners of the European continent.
Chemical industry
This direction of the national economy accounts for almost 3% of the total available output of the power. The Republic of Latvia produces a wide range of household chemicals and industrial gases. A serious role is assigned to the production of biofuel. The most important participants in this market segment can be considered the Riga paint and varnish factory, Tenachem, Bio-Venta, Stenders. The country produces paints, primers, adhesives - all this is produced by 14 Latvian enterprises. Also, state chemical companies produce concrete products, ceramic tiles, gypsum products.
At the Latvian Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, special studies are carried out that allow us to come to the development of high-temperature synthesis in order to obtain nanopowders as a result.
Pharmacology
The real "titans" of this industry are rightfully considered Olainfarm un Grindeks. Their products can easily be found in any pharmacy in the country. At the same time, Silvanols is beginning to actively step on their heels. The pharmaceutical industry pays to the state treasury an amount of 2.5% of its total annual volume.
Also, the Institute of Organic Synthesis is considered a major producer of the industry. According to experts, the pharmaceutical industry for the most part has chosen a development strategy based on the direction of low risks (development and creation of generics and food additives).
Of particular note is the Silvanols company, which specializes in the production of OTC medicines, which are based on exclusively natural ingredients. We can not ignore the company Pharmidea, which produces sterile forms for injection.
If we mention genetic research, then in Latvia the work in this direction is carried out in strict, even strict compliance with the legislation of the country. All new items can be registered and then receive the corresponding patent in the Patent Office of the Republic.
Transport
Latvian transport companies are very developed due to well-planned state logistics. You can reach up to 25 million customers throughout the Baltic region in just 48 hours. The studies showed that the railway route from Riga to China can be driven a month faster than the shortest sea route. And from Riga Airport you can get to almost a hundred points on the world map, and flights are carried out not only across Europe, but also across the Atlantic.
Ports such as Ventspils and Liepaja do not freeze even in the winter, which gives them the opportunity to receive crude oil and petroleum products year-round. In addition, special economic zones have been created in these ports to form the most favorable business environment and attract investment. The unconditional advantage of these sea gates is that they have huge potential in the form of undeveloped territories.
Also Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia are interconnected by an international transport corridor called Via Baltica. The priority areas are the development and construction of logistics centers for the distribution of traffic flows, industrial parks.
Rubber and plastic products
The Latvian industry, namely the sphere of rubber and plastic products, is mainly focused on local consumers, which is explained by the high degree of activity of builders. It will be rational to note that this industry is just one that is able to fully cover the needs of domestic buyers, so that it is possible to refuse to import in this direction. The production of rubber and plastic allows the government to contribute 2.3% of the total cash flow to the treasury.
The most famous companies are Evopipes, Rotons, Poliurs, Baltijas gumijas fabrika, Sunningdale Tech, Fedak-Films, HGF Riga.
Information and Communication Technology
This sector of the Latvian economy began its active development back in the 1960s. It was at that time that the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science was opened, as well as the Institute of Electronics. Latvia was connected to the worldwide Internet in 1992. According to 2016 data, the Republic of Latvia is among the top ten countries with the highest Internet connection speed, and the service itself is available to 90% of the local population.
The main subsectors of the country's information sector can be considered software development, a variety of mobile applications, payment systems, hosting, and the formation of electronic commerce.
Official statistics say that in 2015 over 6,000 companies were involved in the country's information segment. At the same time, only 114 of them were engaged in the production of computer equipment. The number of employed people in the IT sector amounted to more than 28,000 people. The main business partners of Latvia in the international arena are Sweden and Malta.
In this Baltic republic, Internet banking is one of the most used e-commerce services, due to which many Latvian banks have achieved excellent results in their work.
Also, the creation of mobile applications and electronic programs for the government, the ministry of health, and local authorities is considered a promising area in the country.
In the summer of 2012, an IT center was opened in Riga, the main purpose of which was to provide everyone with the opportunity to get acquainted with the new achievements of the sector. This place has already been visited by a huge number of people, including government delegations from other countries.
Metalworking and mechanical engineering
Latvian industry is simply inconceivable without mechanical engineering and metal processing. This sector of the economy is the most promising in the republic, as many foreign companies invest in it.
The industry uses advanced technologies, but they also do not forget about traditional methods. To date, Latvian enterprises have carried out restructuring in order to establish the production of export-oriented products.
In 2015, machine building and metalworking gave the state treasury 1.1 billion euros, and in 2016 this figure already amounted to 3.3 billion. Over 70% of the products are delivered abroad. The main consumers are: Estonia, Russia, Germany, Sweden, Denmark.
Long-term and professional contracts were signed largely due to the fact that the majority of Latvian enterprises have been awarded ISO 9000 quality certificates.
The Riga Carriage Building Plant deserves special attention. It was founded in 1985 by Oscar Freywirth. The company specialized in the production of electric and diesel trains, urban trams. In addition, the plant also carried out repairs of railway equipment. However, unfortunately, in 1997 the legendary enterprise was declared bankrupt, and its property was sold. To date, the plant is operating again, and its diesel train DR1B was recognized as the best product exported from Latvia in 2005.
Woodworking and forestry
Work in Latvia at forest enterprises is, in fact, a public service, since about 50% of the country's forest lands are state property and are controlled by it. In the past 80 years, the forest area in the country has almost doubled. Latvian forests are in a better position than the rest of the world's forests because their general condition is excellent and the area of plantings is regularly increasing.
About 75% of wood-based products are exported. In 2015, revenue from the sale of wood products and raw materials amounted to 2 billion euros. In addition to lumber and roundwood, the export of cardboard, paper, wood containers, and building materials begins to increase.
The main consumers of the industry's products are the UK, Germany, Sweden, which purchase goods from Avoti SWF, Daiļrade koks, Elīza-K, Pinus GB and others.
Jewelry and cosmetics
The jewelry sector in Latvia is also quite developed. Traditions of Latvian masters are supported to this day. You can learn such a delicate matter at the Latvian Academy of Arts, schools in Ventspils, Kraslava, Jelgava. Amber jewelry from the Baltic Sea coast has a special price and is highly quoted in the professional environment and among consumers. After storms on the coast south of Ventspils in Latvia, real lovers of jewelry very often collect this stone. In general, historically, the amber route from Latvia to Rome runs through Latvia. In addition, amber jewelry in the country is used in the manufacture of accessories and textiles.
It is also worth noting that in this Baltic republic there is a fairly large number of upscale jewelry masters who continue the glorious traditions of their ancestors.
The Dzintars cosmetics deserves a special story. This company is based in Riga. Her specialization is the creation of perfumes, herbal ingredients, cosmetics. The team employs about 400 people.
For the period from 1998 to 2004, the company reorganized, thanks to which it received certificates from a German audit company. The company also has long had documents confirming the quality of its products - ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO / IEC 17025. In addition, the company was awarded the prestigious The World Intellectual Property Organization. And in 2010, Dzintars specialists received an international Ecocert license.