An Address by Latvian President Valdis Zatlers at the Opening of the Tajikistan-Latvia Business Forum Rīga, February 9, 2009 [09 Feb 2009]

Mr President,

excellencies,

businesspeople from Tajikistan and Latvia,

ladies and gentlemen:

First of all, I would like to thank the organisers of this business forum – the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tajikistan, the Latvian Investment and Development Agency, and all of the other institutions which have worked hard on organising this international forum.

This is a time when structural changes are evident in the global economy. The time has come to identify new opportunities and to accept new challenges. This is the right moment to look back at what has been accomplished, to evaluate results and, particularly, to mobilise your strengths and resources in pursuit of new hopes.

It is important for us to understand that development is a dynamic process. The stability of our lives is based on constant improvements, not on standing in place.

The key today is the skills to be flexible in relation to existing situations. People must refocus on new areas and new markets. That's why the time is right to propose new ideas – ones that might have seemed impossible, unpromising or insecure just a year or two ago. Any idea or initiative that was not important recently can be of decisive importance right now. It can help development, sustainability, and successful co-operation among countries. That is why I am calling upon Tajik partners and businesspeople in Latvia to be open to new contacts, to undertake initiative, and to dare take a new path altogether.

I am certain that the agreement that is being signed at this forum on co-operation between the Latvian and Tajik chambers of commerce and industry will create strong foundations for close business relations between businesspeople of both countries.

Ladies and gentlemen:

I am truly delighted to see Tajik partners from so many business sectors at this forum. This presents an excellent opportunity for businesspeople in Latvia to find business partners in any area of entrepreneurship.

I can cite specific numbers to describe the success of our co-operation until now. I welcome the fact that trade has substantially increased over the last few years between our countries. Latvia exported goods that were worth just ten thousand dollars in 2001, but last year exports were worth nearly three million dollars. Latvian imports from Tajikistan in 2007 nearly tripled in comparison to the previous year. This clearly shows that businesses in our two countries have been working together successfully. There are thirteen Tajik-Latvian joint ventures at this time, and I trust that this business forum will ensure an increase in that number.

I imagine that the people of Tajikistan remember such successful Latvian products as Rīga sprats, cosmetics from Dzintars, and confectionary from Laima. Textiles from Tajikistan, in turn, have been popular in Latvia for many years. But our countries have many more products and services that might be of interest to buyers and manufacturers. All that we need to do is identify mutual interests and crossroads of advantage. I would like to emphasise that since the restoration of independence eighteen years ago, Latvia has seen substantial developments in banking, information technologies, and construction of small hydroelectric power plants. Businesses in Latvia would be very pleased if they could transfer their accumulated experience and professionalism to their partners in Tajikistan.

Major exporters from Latvia to Tajikistan include pharmaceutical, information technology and construction material companies. There are several businesses in Latvia in the field of IT, food production, energy and electronics which have sought opportunities for partnership. These are companies which have been eagerly awaiting the business delegation from Tajikistan to offer tours of their companies and to present their Tajik colleagues with the goods and services that are offered here.

A particular resource which we can and should use is the skill at languages of Latvian specialists. This particularly applies to English and Russian. Latvian businesspeople are interested in entering the Tajik market, sharing their experience, and helping their Tajik partners to establish links to other countries in the European Union.

Tajikistan is a very important and promising trade partner for Latvia. As a European Union member state, Latvia is ready and able to facilitate close co-operation between European countries on the one hand, and Tajikistan and other countries in the Central Asian region on the other.

Latvia can be more than a trading partner for you. We can also become a strategic trampoline which allows you to operate in other European countries, as well. You can take advantage of the opportunity of your Latvian partners as you enter the economic and administrative environment of EU member states.

I would hope that you will open an office here in Latvia, allowing Tajik businesspeople to work effectively in the markets of the Baltic States and the European Union.

Ladies and gentlemen:

Courage, ambition and initiative are the keys to sustainable development and successful partnerships. I am certain that your presence here confirms that you are prepared to be open and ambitious and to pursue new opportunities. Please use this visit and this business forum to develop new contacts and to obtain new impressions and information.

May we all succeed together!