Prime Minister Aigars Kalvītis meets the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Head of the Japan Foreign Trade Organization

Starting his working visit in Japan, Aigars Kalvītis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, on 19 April met Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and Osamu Watanabe, Head of the Japan Foreign Trade Organization.

During the meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Aigars KalvÄ«tis stressed the role of opening of the Embassy of Latvia in Japan in developing political, economic and cultural ties between both countries. The opening takes place at a significant moment in time âÀ“ it is 15 years since the reestablishment of diplomatic relations of both countries.

Taro Aso informed Aigars Kalvītis on the economic growth of Japan and possible investments in Europe and Asia. When speaking about economic development of Latvia Aigars Kalvītis noted the ability of the state to ensure good investment and tax environment for Japanese investors planning to expand their economic activities in Europe.

During the conversation attention was paid to the European Union (EU) âÀ“ Japan summit in Tokyo, as well as the coming NATO Summit in RÄ«ga in November, particularly focusing on opportunities for closer cooperation between the EU and Japan and NATO and Japan. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan informed on his plans to visit Europe and consult the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Baltic States.

The Prime Minister also had a meeting with Osamu Watanabe, Head of the Japan Foreign Trade Organization. Aigars KalvÄ«tis said that cooperation with the Japan Foreign Trade Organization is very important for Latvia - it promotes real cooperation between Japanese and Latvian small and medium companies, which play a significant role in LatviaâÀ™s economy. The Latvian Investment and Development Agency closely cooperates with the Japan Foreign Trade Organization.

Osamu Watanabe said that after LatviaâÀ™s accession to the EU interest of Japanese businessmen about Latvia and the Baltic region in general has increased. The Prime Minister in his turn noted that Latvian businessmen are also interested in attracting investments from Japan and in creating joint ventures.

On 19 April the Prime Minister participated in the seminar organized by the Japan Foreign Trade Organization and delivered a speech on economic development of Latvia and opportunities for investments.