On January 19, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis held a meeting with Noel Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate of Canada.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the economic situation in Latvia. Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis informed that the main priorities of the government are fiscal consolidation and implementation of the 2010 budget, achieving economic stability in the country.
Similarly, the government focuses on the development of instruments aimed at restoring growth of national economy, providing particular support to export-oriented businesses with European Union funding, the export guarantee schemes and diminishing of administrative barriers.
The Prime Minister informed that the economy shows the first signs of stabilization when export volumes exceed imports.
Discussing the economic situation, both sides admitted the high proportion of the social budget and its impact on the pace of economic recovery. The both sides also discussed the demographic situation in the country and its significant role in context of sustainable development of the country.
The Speaker of the Senate of Canada positively assessed the difficult political decisions made by Latvia and the achieved progress on fiscal consolidation.
The Prime Minister thanked the Canadian side for the support in allocation of the International Monetary Fund’s loan to Latvia.
The officials positively assessed bilateral relations of both countries, emphasizing the future prospects for cooperation in transit sector, particularly in co-operation of ports, in agriculture and food processing sectors, and promotion of cooperation projects in the region of Eastern neighbours.
N. Kinsela noted that Latvia is attractive also with its geographical position in Europe, between Western and Eastern region.
At the end of the visit, the Prime Minister wished the Canadian side success in organizing the Winter Olympic Games, as well as good results and new records for Latvian and Canadian athletes.
The photos of the meeting of Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and Noel Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate of Canada and delegation are available in the Internet photo album of the State Chancellery:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/sets/72157623116057627/
Laine Kučinska
Deputy Head
Communication Department
State Chancellery
Phone: 67082905 / 29457329
E-mail: Laine.Kucinska@mk.gov.lv
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