LIEPAJA BUSINESS GUIDE 2015/2016

LIEPAJA – THE WESTERNMOST BALTIC BUSINESS LOCATION Dear friend and potential partner of Liepaja city!

Thank you for the opportunity to show what our city of Liepaja is all about – a city with its own spirit, so diverse from many different points of view. In this «Liepaja business guide» we have tried to capture the look of Liepaja from the viewpoint of a businessman, and to best show the factors that make the city stand out as an excellent environment for business activities against the bright background of Latvia, as one of the Europe's post crisis economic growth leaders, and the whole dynamic Baltic Sea region. Please browse through this publication to find out about the reasons that make Liepaja an outstanding business location in the east of the Baltic Sea region. If you find it interesting, don't hesitate to visit us in order to witness the best features and take the opportunity!

www.transport.lv 3

CONTENTS

STRONG INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

Welcome address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

The Liepaja Special Economic Zone (LSEZ) was established as an analogy to similar enti-

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5–9

ties in the Western Europe in 1997, in order to accelerate the development of the former military city of Liepaja and its surroundings, and to create a favourable environment for local and foreign business ventures.

PORT AND TRANSPORT The LSEZ occupies virtually all the non-residential territory of the city, comprising 3 979 ha

Welcome address by Guntars Krievins, General Manager of Liepaja Special Economic Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Outlook of the Port of Liepaja and Liepaja transport and logistics sector . . .11–16 Directory of Liepaja transport and logistics companies

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17–22

bour,  Liepaja International Airport, occupying 251 ha,  Dispersed industrial areas, a total of 543 ha.

The LSEZ was established with the intention to foster the business development in Liepaja

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

and the region by the two main tools:

Welcome address by Uldis Sesks, Chairman of the Liepaja City Council ……. . .23 Outlook of the production and SEZ sector in Liepaja

or about 65% of the total territory. The main territories of the LSEZ are:  The Port of Liepaja, a total territory of 1 197 ha, consisting of 376 ha land and 810 ha har-

 Providing fiscal/tax incentives for companies establishing within the SEZ, thus granting a faster pace of growth for single ventures and the whole local,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24–28

 Investing funds generated by port duties and real estate privatisation into further port and

Directory of production and SEZ companies in Liepaja . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29–32

related infrastructure development, thereby significantly improving the operating environ-

Kurzeme Business Incubator

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33–36

ment for LSEZ companies.

The creation of the LSEZ has allowed Liepaja to turn from a deeply depressed area into one

INVESTMENTS

of the liveliest and fast-growing regional centres in the Baltic States. The mission of the Liepaja

Welcome address by Andris Ozols, Director of Latvian Investment and Development Agency ……. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

in the Liepaja City, both through improvement of the «tangible» aspects for business develop-

Outlook of investment environment and opportunities in Latvia and Liepaja . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38–43

Special Economic Zone is to create the most favourable conditions for business development ment, e.g. infrastructure and port services, as well as provision of the best possible business services for its current and potential partners – LSEZ companies. The LSEZ Marketing and Investment Department acts as a one-stop service point for investors, providing the necessary assistance for companies willing to take advantage of one of the highest capitalisation locations around the Baltic Sea.

TOURISM AND LEISURE Contact us to see how we can help you to advance or re-vitalise your business in Liepaja!

Welcome address by Zane Gaile, Chairman of board of Liepaja Region Tourism Information Office ……. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Outlook of the tourism sector in Liepaja . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46–52

Liepaja Special Economic Zone Authority Feniksa iela 4, Liepaja, Latvia, LV-3401 Tel.: +371 63427477 Fax: +371 63407711

LIEPAJA SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE AUTHORITY

E-mail: marketing@lsez.lv www.liepaja-sez.lv 4

5

are stimulated by harmonisation of the operating environment for business towards EU and WTO standards. Currently Latvia is a full member of the WTO, European Union and NATO. Currently the EU countries are the main international business partners for Latvia, constituting almost 2/3 of foreign trade turnover and more than half of accumulated foreign direct investments. The top investor countries are the closest neighbours in the Baltic Sea region: Denmark, Germany and Sweden. Latvia has been recognised as attractive by its partners mainly because of its strategic location, qualified and cost-efficient labour force, developed business infrastructure, as well as a stable and predictable business and legal environment. But not only Latvia is looking westwards, it fully embraces its diverse backgrounds with all the strengths and capabilities to serve as a bridge between developed, dynamic Europe and the large areas of

LATVIA – POSITIVE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

opportunity in the East. In fact, the latest market reports have shown reasonable growth of Latvian exports to Russia, and this genuinely proves the technical and cultural capacities for success both in the demanding West and the unpredictable East.

Choose Latvia for the future strategic location of your business in an environment of guaranteed stability and inexhaustible opportunities!

With its success granted by the strategic location and a rich combination of historical, cultural and economic factors, the Baltic country of Latvia has shown steady development trends. Various reforms in economical, social and public policies implemented by the government have resulted in the rapid growth of the national economy and close approach to joining the European monetary union.

As a small and open economy, the success of the country has been closely linked to international trade and the inflow of foreign direct investment. These activities

6

7

Liepaja possesses all the necessary factors to become a dynamic and rapidly growing trade, logistics and industrial centre, and in fact this is happening right now, since Liepaja is the number one city in the country in terms of industrial output per inhabitant. The infrastructure, logistics capacities and labour are all here to support any business efforts. In addition, there is an extensive and diverse base of highly proficient local sub-suppliers and service providers, and tax incentives granted by the Liepaja Special Economic Zone. Put simply, profits made in Liepaja can still remain in the business, because the city will manage to benefit from an investor's presence in many other ways.

Strategically located and easily connected to Scandinavia and continental Central Europe, as well as Russia and the CIS, Liepaja can provide the best of setting up a business in Eastern

LIEPAJA –

Europe to any market- or export-oriented investor!

AN ATTRACTIVE LOCATION

For more information and support, please contact Liepaja City Council Development Committee:

The city of Liepaja is located at the very west of the three Baltic States and, being the northernmost all-year icefree port in the Eastern Baltics, acts as a natural transit and distribution hub between Scandinavia/continental Europe and the Baltic States/Russia. As the third largest city in Latvia with long industrial traditions, it is also a highly important manufacturing location. The city and its surrounding areas boast a great quality of life and recreation, ensuring that every visitor or newcomer feels at home here. Liepaja is a city of long history and tradi-

Liepaja City Council Development Committee Rozu iela 6, Liepaja, Latvia, LV-3401 Tel.: +371 63404758 Fax: +371 63404806 E-mail: liepaja@dome.liepaja.lv www.liepaja.lv

tions- dating back to 1253 as a tiny fishermen's village, it attracted its first recorded private 'logistics' investment in 1871, when a sorting terminal was constructed at one of the railway stations.

8

9

Transport and logistics services are largely focused on the Port of Liepaja and continue to grow in line with the port's freight throughput. The logistics cluster in Liepaja SEZ consists of a number of forwarding and shipping agencies, stevedores and customs brokers, each specialising in a certain type of goods such as cereals, metals or forestry products. Liepaja's advantageous location, which benefits goods from the Russian Federation, as they can be transported as far as possible, with a single border crossing, utilising relatively inexpensive land trans-

PORT AND TRANSPORT

PORT AND TRANSPORT

DEVELOPED LOGISTIC CLUSTER

port, creates an extra competitive edge for the port and its tenants.

activities and forms of co-operation between cargo sources and destinations: Guntars Krievins

 Packaging of bulk cereal foodstuffs,

General Manager

 Chemical blending of fertilisers,

Liepaja Special Economic Zone

 Assembling and packaging of general cargos,  Computerised chemical testing,

There is no closer point to the Baltic west cost than Liepaja in the three Baltic States, and

 After-casting treatment, etc.

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

Liepaja is an active port, where a number of companies keep re-defining the meaning of «logistics» as much more than «transport & storage», providing a diversity of value-added

the strategic location is what gives the Port of Liepaja the opportunity it's so shifty to take the

Commonwealth of Independent States, as a result of which, Liepaja is steadily turning into one

INVESTMENTS

of the transit and logistics hubs of the Baltic region. Our port companies are successful in competing with other ports in the region, providing to their customers services, which are based on state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment, high quality performance and cost-effective approach.

Renewal of Liepaja port commercial activities and establishment of the Liepaja Special Economic Zone has proved that, in the course of less than 20 years, it was possible to convert one of the most backward state regions into one of the leading industrial and logistic centres of the country.

Today the Port of Liepaja is one of the most rapidly developing ports of the Baltics and the

TOURISM AND LEISURE

whole Europe. A growing number foreign logistic and manufacturing companies choose Liepaja as the place where to relocate their business, taking into account the geographical location of the city and its beneficial business environment and the industrial potential.

Excellent geographical location Distance from Liepaja to major European cities:  Moscow – 1 055 km,  St. Petersburg – 948 km,

INVESTMENTS

Port of Liepaja provides an efficient access to the markets of the Baltic region and the

 Kiev – 1 621 km,  Minsk – 727 km,  Smolensk – 856 km,  Vilnius – 523 km,  Tallinn – 664 km.

Distance from Liepaja to major European ports:  Stockholm – 216 n.m.,  Copenhagen – 325 n.m.,

TOURISM AND LEISURE

advantage of. As one of the few non-freezing ports in the Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, the

 Hamburg – 493 n.m.,  Antwerp – 1 024 n.m.,  London – 1 025 n.m.,  Rotterdam – 1 173 n.m.,  Le Havre – 1 231 n.m.

10

11

reliable links between the land and the sea, the east and the west, the Port of Liepaja keeps growing together with the city and even faster.

Road transport Motor roads connect Liepaja with the road networks of Estonia, the Russian Federation, Belarus and Lithuania, securing speedy and effective cargo exchange with the political and industrial centres of neighbouring countries.

Sea transport eral cargoes by servicing ships with the deadweight of up to 50 thousand tons.

Technical characteristics:  Permitted load-carrying capacity – 40 t, with special permits – up to 52 t,  Permitted load on axis – 11 t,

Time of sea voyages from Liepaja to the following ports:

 Permitted speed of freight transport (on trunk roads) – up to 90 km/h.

 Stockholm – 16 hours,

Port of Liepaja

 Copenhagen – 26 hours,  Hamburg – 36 hours,

Liepaja is geographically favourably situated with regard to Russia and other CIS countries,

 London – 70 hours,

PORT AND TRANSPORT

 Permitted speed of freight trains – 80 km/h.

As a year-round ice-free port in combination with a dense road and railway network, it provides excellent logistics support to business efforts aimed at any geographical market. With

Technical characteristics of the port ensure handling of any dry bulk, liquid bulk and gen-

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

 Permitted load per axis – 23.5 t,

 Rotterdam – 72 hours,

thus enabling cost effective commodity shipping time. Liepaja is one of the few non-freezing

 Antwerp – 80 hours,

ports in the region, providing continuous navigation at any weather conditions. The Port pro-

 Le Havre – 85 hours.

vides cargo handling and other port services 24 hours a day. State-of-the art technologies

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PORT AND TRANSPORT

LOGISTIC CONNECTIONS

Inland transport

quality level.

As the third Latvia's largest port, Liepaja is a truly multifunctional port service provider

The port of Liepaja constitutes part of the international transport network TEN-T. The port

dealing with virtually any commodity type. The port infrastructure – the fairway, berths and

is well integrated in the system of state railway and motor roads, and this ensures speedy and

cargo-handling equipment – allows for accommodating vessels with the maximum draught of

effective cargo exchange with Russia and other CIS markets.

10.8 metres and the length of 240 metres. In total, there are 16 cargo handling terminals for

Both railway and road transport play equal roles in connecting the port to the rest of Latvia,

various types of cargo, each equipped with appropriate cargo handling and storage facilities –

the Baltic States and countries beyond the EU border. Latvia's land transport infrastructure is

open-air, covered warehouses, silos, shore tanks and storage facilities for refrigerated cargoes.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS

combined with highly qualified labour force ensure efficient performance of works at a high

in sufficiently good condition to serve both domestic and international transportation by both of these modes, but notable investments from the national and EU funds are already scheduled

Port

to gradually upgrade it to average EU levels.

Railway transport Over 2/3 of the cargos transhipped in the port are freighted by railway. The state public rail-

 Number of berths, total – 80

TOURISM AND LEISURE

TOURISM AND LEISURE

Port territory – 1 182 ha  Dry land – 372 ha  Water basin – 810 ha

way network has direct links with the railway networks of Estonia, Russian Federation, Belarus

 Length of berths, total – 10 000 m

and Lithuania, thus ensuring access to the markets of the Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries.

 Maximum draught of ships – 10.8 m  Maximum breadth of ships – 35 m

Technical characteristics:

 Maximum length of ships – 240 m

 Width of the railway track – 1 520 mm,

 Cargo handling capacity – 12.4 million tons per year 12

13

Statistics The port is rapidly expanding both in terms of shipped cargo and service territory, thanks

Specialization of berths:  Berths for dry cargo and general cargo – 5 500 m,

to domestic and international logistics investors who recognise the port as the best business

 Berths for liquid cargo – 1 300 m,

opportunity in the eastern Baltics, due to its attractive location and the availability of both free

 Berths for fishing vessels and vessels of port fleet – 1 500 m,

territory and qualified labour force.

 Berths for ship building and repair – 1 200 m,  Berths for pleasure boats and yachts – 550 m.

PORT AND TRANSPORT

PORT AND TRANSPORT

Berths

The port provides for covered and closed storage of all kinds of cargo:

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

Storage  Open cargo storage – 440 000 m2,  Warehouses – 100 000 m2,  Silos – 74 400 m3,  Cold storage – 25 200 m3,  Liquid cargo reservoirs – 75 000 m3.

Equipment Modern cargo handling equipment is at the disposal of port enterprises:  Portal cranes (up to 40 t),  Loaders (up to 25 t),  Other terminal equipment (up to 25 t).

Liner traffic

Although the Port of Liepaja is small in terms of cargo turnover, compared to the Baltic

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS

 Mobile cranes (up to 63 t),

Sea region leaders, and accounts only for 10% of the total Latvian port turnover, the entire Valuable supports for exporters are scheduled sea transport connections to continental

port infrastructure fully meets demands for any type and scale of port operations. The

Central Europe, ensured by the Swedish operator Stena Line, which provides regular Ro-Pax

main feature of the port is its true multifunctional nature, which allows its users to com-

service over the route Liepaja – Travemunde (Germany) – Liepaja.

bine various types of logistics activities and provide the best possible services to their

TOURISM AND LEISURE

TOURISM AND LEISURE

customers.

International Ship and Port Facility Security Consulting Committee and Security Council of the Port of Liepaja have been formed in order to supervise the compliance of the port to the standards set by International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and Latvian Maritime Administration. Stevedoring companies of the Port of Liepaja have acquired Certificates of compliance issued by Latvian Maritime Administration and the relevant information is available on Internet home page of International Maritime Organization.

14

15

cargoes.

Services:

cargo handling, logistics full scope of port and logistic services – stevedoring services, ship agency, ship chartering, forwarding, customs brokerage

Convenient Business Travel Options

Specialization:

offers regular flights to Copenhagen (Denmark), Oslo (Norway) and Riga (Latvia).

general cargoes: metal, timber, break bulk, oversized and heavy lift cargoes, dry bulk cargoes, grain, other agricultural cargoes

Currently, international airport services are available from Palanga (Lithuania), whcih is located within 60 km range or about one hour's drive south from Liepaja. The airport of Palanga

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

Sphere of activity:

Berths:

No 14, 42-45

Telephone:

+371 27335559

Riga International Airport, the competing business travel hub of the Baltic States, which is

Fax:

+371 67322910

situated within 200 km distance or two and half hour's drive east from Liepaja, offers direct or

E-mail:

info@ekerslp.eu

connecting flights to virtually every destination around the world. Flights are operated by the

Internet:

www.ekerslp.eu

Latvian national carrier AirBaltic and a number of world’s leading airlines.

Liepaja International Airport is the other internationally licensed airport in Latvia, besides Riga International Airport. It is located 7 km from the city’s downtown and is a part of the Liepaja Special Economic Zone. The airport is licensed for servicing such international opera-

«DG TERMINALS» LSEZ LTD.

tions as scheduled passenger and cargo flights, non-scheduled passenger and cargo flights, as

Sphere of activity:

well as charter and private flights. Currently, the airport is not servicing scheduled passenger

Services: Specialization: Berth:

INVESTMENTS

cargo handling, logistics stevedoring services, cargo storage and transhipment, freight forwarding, ship agency

flights, and its primary business operations are in passenger airlift, charter flights and cargo handling.

PORT AND TRANSPORT

cargo, 25% for liquid bulk, 60% for general cargo and 40% capatities for handling Ro-Ro

«EKERS STIVIDORS LP» LSEZ LTD.

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

tries. The Liepaja port cargo handling capacities are used by 60%, including 70% for dy bulk

liquid cargoes (oil and petrochemical products) No 25

Telephone:

+371 63424604

Fax:

+371 63486334

E-mail:

hub@dgterminals.lv

Internet:

www.dgterminals.lv

INVESTMENTS

PORT AND TRANSPORT

According to the results of 2014, about 60% of cargoes handled in the Port of Liepaja are transit cargoes coming from Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and other CIS coun-

«PIEMARE» LSEZ JSC. Services:

TOURISM AND LEISURE

Specialization:

port services, logistic services cargo handling and storage dry bulk cargoes – scrap, peat, peat blocks, coal; general cargoes – metals, timber, break bulk, frozen cargoes, palletized cargoes

Berths:

16

No. 64, 65, 73–76

Telephone:

+371 63424429

Fax:

+371 63427333

E-mail:

info@piemare.lv

Internet:

www.piemare.lv 17

TOURISM AND LEISURE

Sphere of activity:

full agency services & ferry lines at the Port of Liepaja terminal services, ferry lines, ship's agency, freight forwarding,

Sphere of activity: Services: Specialization:

customs and warehousing Specialization: Berths:

ship's agency

+371 63481172

Fax:

Fax:

+371 63481454, 63487404

E-mail:

molsl@one.lv

office@terrabalt.lv, base@terrrabalt.lv www.terrabalt.lv

«DUNA» LSEZ LTD. Sphere of activity:

«LIEPAJA BULK TERMINAL» LSEZ LTD. Sphere of activity: Services:

cargo handling, logistics stevedoring, cargo storage in the free zone mode,

Services:

Specialization:

Specialization:

Berths:

66–68, 51, 51a

Telephone:

+371 63480961

Fax:

+371 63480989

E-mail:

lbt@asp.lv

Internet

www.lbt-port.com

stevedoring services, cargo forwarding, wholesale dry bulk cargoes – wooden and sunflower pallets, peat, peat blocks, scrap, clinker, mineral fertilizers, general cargoes (metals, palletized cargoes), liquid bulk cargoes

railway and road transportation, accumulation and transhipment of agricultural cargoes

port services, logistic services of bio-fuel, packing in big-bags and bags of 50 kg.

freight forwarding, ship agency

INVESTMENTS

No 60, 61 +371 63481168

+371 63425756, 29412105

Internet:

round timber, sawn wood, palletized cargo,

Telephone:

Telephone: E-mail:

stevedoring, warehousing building materials

Berths:

No 46Z, 46D, 46R

cargo handling

PORT AND TRANSPORT

Services:

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

Sphere of activity:

«MOLS L» LSEZ LTD.

(molasses, bitumen).

Berths: Telephone:

No. 62, 63 +371 29254103

Fax:

+371 3423753

E-mail:

duna@apollo.lv

Internet:

INVESTMENTS

PORT AND TRANSPORT PRODUCTION AND SEZ

«TERRABALT» LSEZ LTD.

www.duna.lv

«LASKANA» LSEZ LTD.

Sphere of activity: Services: Specialization:

cargo handling, logistics

Sphere of activity: Services: Specialization:

cargo transhipment, storage, freight forwarding, ship agency railway and road transportation, accumulation and transhipment of agricultural cargoes

Berths:

+371 63424462

Fax:

+371 63486316

E-mail:

www.lbt-port.com 18

No. 40, 41, 56 +371 63423111

Fax:

Internet

general cargoes (timber), dry bulk cargoes (wooden pellets,

Telephone:

+371 63486362 info@transitserviceagency.com

cargo handling and storage sawdust, wooden chips)

Telephone: E-mail:

port services

gunvaldis.vesmins@laskana.lv, k.vesmins@laskana.lv laimons.kuciks@laskana.lv, info@laskana.lv

Internet:

www.laskana.lv 19

TOURISM AND LEISURE

TOURISM AND LEISURE

«TRANSIT SERVICE AGENCY» LTD.

cargo handling; logistics

Services:

stevedoring, forwarding

Specialization:

handling of base and industrial oils, diesel fuel, oil products which require heating – black fuel oil, VGO

Berth:

No. 28

Sphere of activity: Services: Specialization: Berth: Fax:

+371 63441248

E-mail:

Services: Specialization: Berth:

No. 57–59 +371 67804340

+371 29225140

Sphere of activity:

handling of round timber +371 67804343

Fax:

«GLEN OIL» LSEZ LTD.

stevedoring (timber products)

Telephone:

Telephone:

soshenko@giterminal.lv

cargo handling, logistics

Internet:

metsaforestlatvia@metsagroup.com www.metsaforest.lv

«TRANSIT TERMINÂLS» LSEZ LTD.

port services

Sphere of activity:

stevedoring handling of oil and oil products

Services: Specialization:

No. 26

cargo handling, logistics stevedoring handling of oil and oil products No. 69

Telephone:

+371 29165000

Berth:

Fax:

+371 29270393

Telephone:

+371 29225140

Fax:

+371 63426833

E-mail:

glenoil@balticom.lv, glenoil@inbox.lv

E-mail:

PORT AND TRANSPORT

Sphere of activity:

E-mail:

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

«METSA FOREST LATVIA» LTD.

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PORT AND TRANSPORT

«GI TERMINÂLS» LSEZ LTD.

transit.term@gmail.com

Services: Specialization:

cargo handling, logistics cargo handling and storage handling of dry bulk cargoes

Telephone:

+371 63484500

Fax:

+371 63484502

E-mail:

info@danstore.lv

Internet:

www.danstore.lv

TOURISM AND LEISURE

«MARILAT SK» LSEZ LTD. Sphere of activity: Services: Specialization: Berth: Telephone: Fax:

«BALTIC BIOFUEL COMPANY» LSEZ LTD. Sphere of activity: Services: Specialization: Telephone: Fax: E-mail: Internet:

port services, logistic services cargo handling and storage, logistic services, custom broker services, packing line biofuel (pellets, chips) +371 29225503 +371 63434068 info@balticbiofuel.lv www.balticbiofuel.lv

cargo handling, logistics stevedoring, cargo storage in the Free Zone mode handling of general and dry bulk cargoes No. 30, 30a +371 63424662 +371 63424662, 63480192

E-mail:

info@ìàrilatsk.lv

Internet:

www.marilatsk.lv 20

«LIEPÂJAS KUÌU BÛVES RÛPNÎCA» LTD. Sphere of activity: Services:

manufacturing ship repair, ship building, repair of diesel engines

Telephone:

+371 3427138

Fax:

+371 3423788

E-mail:

shipyard@liepaja.apollo.lv 21

INVESTMENTS

Sphere of activity:

TOURISM AND LEISURE

INVESTMENTS

«DAN STORE LATVIA» LSEZ LTD.

Specialization: Telephone: Fax: E-mail:

PORT AND TRANSPORT

Sphere of activity: Services:

port services supply of drinking water, reception of waters polluted with oil products, combating of oily pollution supply of drinking water, reception of bilge and sewage waters +371 29217725, 29283643 +371 63481474 marinbunker@gmail.com

«TOSMARES KUÌUBÛVÇTAVA» JSC. Sphere of activity: Services:

Uldis Sesks

manufacturing +371 63407371

Fax:

+371 63407370

E-mail: Internet:

Chairman

ship repair, new building and conversions

Telephone:

Liepaja City Council The proximity of the sea, the ice-free port, the circumspect infrastructure and business-

shipyard@tosmare.lv

friendly environment – these are just several factors that have already turned Liepaja into one

www.tosmare.lv

of the most active economic centres in Latvia.

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PORT AND TRANSPORT PRODUCTION AND SEZ

«MARIN BUNKER» LTD.

Liepaja is the home for advanced metallurgical and textile industries, which have been developing here over decades and currently employing thousands of Liepaja tenants. At the same time, Liepaja is a city open to new ideas and innovative solutions. That's exactly why we have enterprises. A number of companies from Scandinavia, Eastern countries, and other regions have been attracted to Liepaja. Considering investment volumes so far, we can assert with confidence that today Liepaja has become a successful business environment for investors from Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Belarus, Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania and other countries.

Liepaja is a city which attracts businessmen not only due to its strategically important geo-

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS

been making purposeful efforts since the mid-nineties to develop even more new business

graphical location but also on account of a favourable administrative environment and the avai-

TOURISM AND LEISURE

TOURISM AND LEISURE

lability of highly skilled labour.

22

23

PORT AND TRANSPORT

PORT AND TRANSPORT

BENEFICIAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Liepaja is a premium location for both domestic market- and export-oriented investors: besides the overall support for business, the city also offers highly beneficial fiscal incentives, which are granted by the Liepaja Special Economic Zone. The SEZ legislation is fully harmonised with the existing EU regulations with regards to special zones operations, and businesses established in the LSEZ are entitled to the following fiscal incentives: and applies to all kinds of profits, including repatriated;  80% or 100% rebate on the property tax, in addition to the fact that real estate costs and

3. Company accomplishes the following obligations: a. Manufactures goods, renders services or provides cargo turnover in the port of Liepaja,

applicable taxes are comparatively low.

b. Invests in property or modern technologies,

Direct fiscal incentives amount to 35% (55% for small and 45% for medium-sized enter-

c. Creates new jobs,

prises) of the total investments in the LSEZ territory.

d. Provides salary, which is not lower than average salary level in the Liepaja city.

Businesses establishing themselves within the LSEZ are entitled to the possibilities to operate under free zone status conditions obtaining the following additional indirect tax incentives:

Free Zone

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

 80% rebate on the applicable income tax, which makes the tax rate as low as 3% in Liepaja

 0% VAT rate applicable for virtually all supplies and services; The free zones and the bonded warehouses are fenced EU customs territory areas, where

 Excise tax and customs duty exemption.

arriving commodities are treated as being outside the EU customs territory (provided that they

Most companies operating in the Special Economic Zone possess the status of a Free Zone company, which provides considerable easement of customs procedures.

trade, industry, as well as shipping and international freight flow via Latvia. The Special

The free zone status provides:

Economic Zone occupies virtually all the non-residential territory of the city, comprising

 Free trade with goods from third

3 979 ha or about 65% of the total area. The main sectors of the Liepaja SEZ are:

countries;

INVESTMENTS

modities are not consumed in the free zone or bonded warehouse).

The Liepaja Special Economic Zone was established in 1997 with the aim of developing

 Port area – 1 182 ha,

 Bringing in goods in the free zone

 Industrial area of the city – 543 ha,

without

 International airport – 251 ha,

Customs;

 Former military base Karosta – 1 763 ha.

TOURISM AND LEISURE

are not released for free circulation; no customs procedures have been applied and the com-

declaration

with

the

 Closing of export procedures in respect of the goods dispatched from

More than 2000 ha of Liepaja SEZ territory are classified as "free territories", which are available for potential investors for development of business.

In order to acquire the status of Liepaja Special Economic Zone Company, companies have to meet the following criteria:

TOURISM AND LEISURE

INVESTMENTS

SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE

EU countries and consolidation of freight for dispatch to third countries;  Opportunity to store the goods for an unlimited term, without paying cus-

1. Profile of the activities of the company conforms with development plans of the Special Economic Zone,

toms charges during storage period;  0% VAT rate for the services, which

2. Company owns or long-term leases base property in the territory of the Special Economic Zone,

are related to servicing transit and www.liepaja-sez.lv

export goods; 24

25

As a potential newcomer to the engineering industry in Liepaja, a company is not alone, as

es, when carrying out business with goods, in respect of which the export procedure is

there is a range of other companies that can contribute to its success as sub-suppliers in all

completed in the territory of the Republic of Latvia.

the major fields of the metal processing and engineering industries.

In order to acquire the status of a free zone company, it shall conform to the following criteria: 1. A company owns or long-term leases base property in the territory of the Special Economic Zone.

2. The territory of the free zone is properly confined, in order to exclude unauthorized movement of goods to and from the free zone without passing pickets of the zone.

Textile Production The textile industry is the second largest industrial branch in Liepaja, after engineering. It is highly export-oriented (90%) and based on long traditions brought to the city by the manufacturer Lauma. This company was established in 1961 and employed as many as 5 000 qual-

PORT AND TRANSPORT

PORT AND TRANSPORT

 An opportunity not to register as a VAT payer in Latvia for the non-EU registered enterpris-

ified textile industry workers in the 80s, this number

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

availability of a qualified labour force, as well as the

DIVERSE INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY

activities of Lauma as a supplier of components, have paved the way for a number of flexible SMEs in

Engineering

the textile sector of the city. Today the main focus for

Liepaja possesses very long traditions of metal processing industries, going back to the mil-

production of high value-added – own designed and

itary and naval ship production of the Russian Empire. Currently the engineering sector in Liepaja

brand-named lingerie products, as well as sophisti-

is being dominated by two giant enterprises – Liepajas Metalurgs, the only steel plant in the three

cated fabrics and components.

Lauma Lingerie and Lauma Fabrics still remains the

Baltic States, and Tosmare Shipyard, a dynamic company that has grown steadily since it

Currently consisting of around 30 companies

resumed its operations as a non-military shipyard. However, smaller companies are also impor-

operating as industrial producers of textile articles,

tant for the city, since they are responsible for the dynamic and innovative spirit of the industry.

the majority of them producing lingerie, the industry

The competence areas of the Liepaja engineering cluster cover the following major fields of

continues to thrive in Liepaja. The small companies www.laumafabrics.com

production:

provide flexibility and reliable production for their

 Reinforcement bars, steel and iron castings;

sole contractors in the Western Europe, or mutual co-operation among each other for large-

 Metal structures;

scale or specific orders. A number of textile SMEs not only operate as CMT-producers, but

 Shipbuilding and repair;

also have their own R&D units, inventing new brand-named products for the domestic, east-

 Hydraulic cylinders and other technological equipment;

ern and even western markets, as well as diversifying the product range across functional,



Household goods, design articles, furniture components, keys, locks and components for textile industry;

gender and age market segments.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

has now diminished to slightly above 1000. The

However, the textile industry of Liepaja is still an area of untapped opportunities, and suc Production of components, sub-

cessful business models can be developed owing to the city’s strategic location, availability of

assemblies and final products for dif-

qualified and highly responsible labour force, as well as activities of local sub-suppliers.

food

processing,

woodworking,

mechanical engineering, construction and many other industries;

www.metal.lv

26

Wood Processing With 45% of the Liepaja region covered by forests and extensive wood transit through the

 Sub-contracting (CNC sheet metal

Port of Liepaja, the wood industry here does not hesitate to take advantage of the availability of

processing, CNC machining, castings,

resources and the qualified labour force. The wood business is relatively small in comparison

surface treatments, welding, assem-

to other industries in the city, nevertheless its product range is as wide as it can be in Latvia,

bling);

and, fortunately, it has very positive development trends with much focus on high value-added

 CAD/CAM design services.

production. Companies in Liepaja produce everything from run-of-the-mill sawn wood and bio27

TOURISM AND LEISURE

TOURISM AND LEISURE

ferent industries including off-shore,

and competence production. The wood sector is supported by local

Services: Telephone:

property development operation of Business Park +371 63426418

companies producing wood processing equipment, and others providing technological and logistics services.

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

Sphere of activity:

With the presence of capital,

www.laskana.lv

there would be many more possi-

bilities to develop the wood processing industry, benefiting from the qualities and costs of the labour force, as well as the fiscal incentives, taking into account that the Port of Liepaja handles around 500 thousand m3 of export round timber annually, available for adding more value.

«SOLO-L» LSEZ LTD. Sphere of activity: Services:

logistic services customs warehouse

Telephone:

+371 63442472

Fax:

+371 63433299

E-mail:

solo_l@apollo.lv

«LIEPAJA TRANS STORAGE» LSEZ LTD. Sphere of activity: Services: Telephone:

logistic services customs warehouse +371 63424817

INVESTMENTS

«ERKE» LSEZ LTD. Sphere of activity: Services:

furniture made of birch and deal +371 63422224

Fax:

+371 63422223

Internet:

TOURISM AND LEISURE

furniture production

Telephone: E-mail:

mebeles@erke.apollo.lv www.erke.lv

«META-PLAST» LSEZ LTD. Sphere of activity: Services:

plastic component production +371 63488539

Fax:

+371 63488540

Internet: 28

production

Telephone: E-mail:

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

opportunities for shared resource

«PUMAC LIEPÂJA» LSEZ LTD.

INVESTMENTS

providing excellent co-operation

letland@meta-plast.dk www.meta-plast.dk 29

TOURISM AND LEISURE

PORT AND TRANSPORT

sion furniture components, thus

PORT AND TRANSPORT

fuel wooden pellets, to high preci-

Sphere of activity:

production

production

Services:

metal processing +371 63489530

+371 63481397

Fax:

+371 63498525

+371 63483419

E-mail:

wheel production

Telephone: Fax: Internet:

Sphere of activity: Telephone:

Services:

E-mail:

«CALJAN RITE-HITE LATVIA» LSEZ LTD.

zane.puisite@trelleborg.com

Internet:

aolups@caljanritehite.com www.caljanritehite.com

www.trelleborg.com/en/wheelsystems

PORT AND TRANSPORT

PORT AND TRANSPORT

«TRELLEBORG WHEEL SYSTEM LIEPAJA» LSEZ LTD.

«HIDROLATS» LSEZ LTD.

Services:

production gas spring production

Telephone:

+371 63401840

Fax:

+371 63401850

E-mail: Internet:

info.lep@lesjoforsab.com www.lesjoforsab.com

INVESTMENTS

«ELME MESSER METALURGS» LSEZ LTD. Sphere of activity: Services:

production of industrial and medical gas

Telephone:

+371 63424274

Fax:

+371 63424287

E-mail: Internet:

+371 63424662

Fax:

+371 63424662

E-mail:

info@hidrolats.lv

Internet:

www.hidrolats.lv

«LESJOFORS SPRINGS LV» LSEZ LTD. Sphere of activity:

s.fridrihsons@emm.lv www.elmemesser.lv

metal processing

Telephone:

+371 63401840

Fax:

+371 63401850

E-mail:

TOURISM AND LEISURE

Sphere of activity: Services:

info.lep@lesjoforsab.com www.lesjoforsab.com

«JENSEN METAL» LSEZ LTD. Sphere of activity:

production

Services:

metal processing

Telephone:

+371 63489370

Fax:

+371 63489375

E-mail:

«SCAN-PLAST LATVIA» LSEZ LTD.

production

Services:

Internet:

production

metal processing, metallurgy

Telephone:

Internet:

info-LV@jensenmetal.eu www.jensenmetal.eu

«RT METÂLS» LSEZ LTD.

production composite materials products

Sphere of activity:

Telephone:

+371 63401770

Specialization:

Fax:

+371 63401771

production metal processing

Telephone:

+371 63489383

E-mail:

mail@scan-plast.lv

Fax:

+371 63489386

Internet:

www.scan-plast.lv

E-mail:

30

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

Sphere of activity:

production

INVESTMENTS

«LESJOFORS GAS SPRING» LSEZ LTD.

Services:

ip@rtmetals.lv 31

TOURISM AND LEISURE

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

Sphere of activity:

Sphere of activity: Services:

logistic services cold storage

Telephone:

+371 63425506

Fax:

+371 63481474

E-mail: Internet:

KURZEME BUSINESS INCUBATOR

astramar@astramarliepaja.lv www.astramarliepaja.lv

PORT AND TRANSPORT

PORT AND TRANSPORT

«KRASTS INVESTS» LSEZ LTD.

Kurzeme Business Incubator (KBI) was founded on 3 August 2009 to advance and support

tion of transfer of knowledge and latest technologies and offering availability of office services

Telephone:

+371 63423094

and high-class infrastructure to entrepreneurs on preferential terms. Receiving counselling

Fax:

+371 63423094

from competent specialists from such fields as business development, finance and organisa-

E-mail:

kursa@apollo.lv

tional activities is also possible. In addition, KBI is offering efficient cooperation network to assist in implementing the ideas of entrepreneurs.

«KOLUMBIJA LTD» LSEZ LTD.

INVESTMENTS

Sphere of activity:

Main goals of KBI:

production

enhancement of cooperation between education and science institutions of the one hand

Services:

fish processing

and manufacturing of the other hand;

Telephone:

+371 63401698

promotion of emerging small companies, which manufacture technological and knowl-

Fax:

+371 63401698

edge-based products;

office@fish-pk.lv

establishment of contacts between research laboratories and industries;

www.fish-pk.lv

promotion of international cooperation for small companies with the objective to manu-

E-mail: Internet:

facture high quality competitive products and to create new jobs for qualified specialists and researchers;

«PK- INVEST» LSEZ LTD. Sphere of activity:

TOURISM AND LEISURE

Initiation and development of modern types of business is particularly aided with facilita-

primary fish processing – cooling & refrigerating

advancement of the development of society open to innovations.

production

Services:

fish processing

Telephone:

+371 63401696

Fax:

+371 63401698

E-mail:

sekretare@fish-pk.lv

Services provided by KBI to companies:  Company legal address. Registered address for a company, provision of premises and infrastructure, if necessary.  Legal assistance. With the help from the best lawyers of the fields, we provide quality legal assistance to companies in important issues from registering a company until solution of

«BALTKOM» LSEZ Ltd. Sphere of activity: Services: Telephone: E-mail:

INVESTMENTS

Services:

ment process and development of new and innovative companies.

fishing and fish processing

complicated legal problems.

property development property renting and management +371 29679758 bakkara@inbox.lv; baltkom@inbox.lv 32

 Marketing. We help companies to determine and emphasize the advantages of products or services and find local or international sale markets. We develop and offer companies Visual Identity Start Kit, which includes company logo development, business card design (one-sided/two-sided), preparation of poster lay-out, development of business card type website, domain registration and website maintenance.

33

TOURISM AND LEISURE

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

Sphere of activity:

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

entrepreneurship in specific fields of national economy, with particular support for establish-

«KURSA» LSEZ LTD.

nies, if necessary, to help obtain new business contacts and sale markets.  Training and seminars. In collaboration with the best Latvian and foreign field specialists, we organize training and seminars on the latest trends and current events in entrepreneurship.

Whatever the technical specification, SIA Liepaja Bulk Liner can manufacture container lining and big-bag packaging according to your requirements.

The company SIA Baltic Solar, which has developed the largest solar panel park in Kurzeme Region, is offering the opportunity to invest in this fast-growing field by participation in Teikas solar park development or by installing a solar panel park on investor’s own land plot.

According to Svetlana Balahanova, CEO of SIA Baltic Solar, legal services

Counselling services provided by KBI to companies:

and market and finance attraction

 Business support counselling, including, development of business plans, provision of

channel identification provided by KBI

accounting services, attraction of private investors and funds from banks, European Union,

were and still are an invaluable support

etc. The support for business appraisal, purchase and sale is also provided.

for development of the company.

 Contact exchange on national and international level.  Technological counselling in cooperation with partners from Ventspils High Technology Park and the Green-tech Cluster.

SIA iCotton, the subsidiary of the Russian grand-manufacturer of wet wipes Cotton Club in Latvia, which

 Selection of highly qualified specialists and employees.

started operations in the Latvian market in 2013 with the support from Kurzeme Business

 Manufacturing of prototypes, design and certification services.

Incubator and the initial name Cotton Club Liepaja, is involved in manufacturing wet wipes and

 Services of quality system introduction.

hygiene products.

By getting involved in KBI structure, the companies receive the support from the Investment

Sergejs Binkovskis, the company’s CEO, says that the support provided by Kurzeme

and Development Agency of Latvia for receiving those services in the extent up to 85%.

PORT AND TRANSPORT

conferences in Latvia and abroad also with participation in representation of those compa-

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PORT AND TRANSPORT

 Exhibitions and conferences. We organize participation of companies in exhibitions and

Business Incubator in the form of legal services related with establishment of cotton production plant and counselling for attraction of additional funding

THE INCUBATION PROCESS IN

has advanced the successful

KURZEME BUSINESS INCUBATOR

which has resulted in using 10

development of the company, automated

high-productivity

lines to ensure delivery of products manufactured by the company to its customers in Italy, During the six years of KBI activity, nearly 70 companies have been successfully incubated

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS

COMPANIES COMPLETED AND UNDERGOING

Poland, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, and Scandinavian countries.

and continue their activity on their own now.

The companies, which completed Kurzeme Business Incubator incubation process come

GREEN-TECH CLUSTER

from various fields, such as information technologies, manufacturing of food, furniture, autoThey include also such compa-

The Green Energy and Environmental Technology Cluster is a cooperation network between

nies as LTD Liepaja Bulk Liner, which

companies and institutions of education, research, business support and others that:

is manufacturing 20', 30' and 40'

 operate in specific region or economic sector or inter-related sectors;

food grade container liners of poly-

 use related technologies and similar labor resources;

ethylene and Big-bag polypropylene

 consist of legally independent companies, which are competitors in the same field, and, at

packaging for bulk food and non-

the same time, develop a mutual cooperation.

food product storage and trans-

Nowadays the green technologies are a relatively new area of activity but in the next

portation.

few years it could represent the most important global industry. In 2007 the world's mar34

35

TOURISM AND LEISURE

TOURISM AND LEISURE

mobile, games and toys, electric power manufacturing and supply, catering, and more.

ket volume of green industry

PORT AND TRANSPORT

PORT AND TRANSPORT

companies were 1,4 billion EUR and it is expected that by 2020 it will raise to 3,1 billion EUR. High speed development of green and environmental technologies, high demand and the fact that it has become

a

priority

sector

shows a significant develop-

Andris Ozols

logy Cluster is to develop the indus-

Director

tries of green mobility, renewable

Investment and Development Agency of Latvia

resources, energy efficiency and areas related to these industries in

On behalf of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), I'd like to invite you

Latvia.

to discover Latvia and enjoy the many opportunities our beautiful country offers your business.

The Green Energy and Environ-

www.blueshockbike.lv

INVESTMENTS

mental Technology Cluster is a

The attraction of foreign investment is a national priority in Latvia and is recognized as a key

long-term cooperation project that aims to create new business opportunities, competitive

source of economic growth, which has been rising steadily across the Baltic region in recent

advantages and added value to companies involved in the project in cooperation with local gov-

years, earning praise throughout the world.

ernment and institutions of education, research and business support. Project activities

Latvia offers a wide array of incentives to investors, ranging from support via EU Structural Funds to business-friendly legislation, from depreciation to tax rebates. With Latvia part of the

include:

eurozone, Latvia-based businesses can also take advantage of the stable EU market and the free  development and creation of new products and technologies;

movement of goods, services, capital, and labour. At the same time, the country's direct access

 support in manufacturing and provision of services;

border with CIS market makes Latvia ideal for east-west trade.

INVESTMENTS

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

The main objective of Green Energy and Environmental Techno-

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

ment potential.

www.eltus.lv

One of the gateways to Latvia is Liepaja, home to an ice-free port and special economic

 development of export activities;  fund-raising activities;

zone. Liepaja is fully integrated with the country's extensive road and rail network, which

 public awareness campaigns.

stretches inland from the Baltic Sea. The city is therefore an ideal place for establishing a presabout Liepaja and incentives for business in Latvia in the pages of this business guide.

KURZEMES BIZNESA INKUBATORS

Welcome to Latvia!

17 Plavu Str., Liepaja, LV-3401, Latvia Phone: +371 63429747 e-mail: info@kbi.lv www.kbi.lv

36

37

TOURISM AND LEISURE

TOURISM AND LEISURE

ence in Latvia and enjoying the benefits of our business-friendly environment. You'll learn more

designed acoustic technology for Kenwood and Panasonic, built microphones for Lady Gaga, Located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Latvia is at the very heart of the economically and culturally vibrant Nordic-Baltic region. This has made the country an important gateway between east and west – one of Latvia's key competitive advantages. Over time, a myriad of people and ideas have passed through Latvian territory, adding to the vibrancy of this dynamic nation and making Latvia one of the most innovative countries in Europe.

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

For centuries, Latvian cities were part of the Hanseatic League, an economic alliance that dominated trade along the coast of Northern Europe. Today, Latvia continues to be an ideal

created innovative vacuum-coating technology used by NASA, and produced the anti-reflective glass protecting works of art in the Louvre.

Another factor contributing to the country's success is its prime geographic location between the EU and the CIS. Ice-free port and Special Economic Zone in Liepaja, as well as an extensive and well-connected road and railway network and Latvia's direct access bor-

PORT AND TRANSPORT

themselves internationally by developing high value-added products. Latvian companies have

der with Russia bolsters further growth potential. Special Economic Zones serve as logistics and manufacturing center for companies that seek to establish a base in Northern Europe.

place for international commerce, serving as a direct link between the 500-million people EU

Perhaps the most attractive aspect of working in Latvia is the natural gifts of the country

market in the west and the CIS in the east. Latvia has proven to the world that it has a strong

itself. Blessed with hundreds of kilometers of white sandy beaches, Latvia has a landscape that

entrepreneurial spirit, a stable open market, and globally competitive sectors, such as trans-

has retained its pure, timeless beauty, with over half of the country's land area covered by

port, life sciences, woodworking, and IT.

forests. This natural inheritance has been carefully preserved. According to Universities of

Latvia joined the eurozone in January 2014 and uses euro as the local currency. The

Yale and Columbia Environmental Performance Index, in 2014, Latvia ranked No.1 in cate-

country was the fastest growing economy in the EU in 2013 and 2012 with GDP of 4.1% and

gories in relation to protected land areas, lowest rates of air pollution and access to electrici-

5.2% respectively, earning praise from global leaders and international officials. Although the

ty. Latvia continues to be the second highest consumer of renewable energy sources in the EU.

GDP slowed down in 2014 to 2.4%, Latvia's economic growth is still well above the EU ave-

But best of all, Latvia is simply a great place to live. As more international businesses estab-

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PORT AND TRANSPORT

of foreign direct investment. Many manufacturers based in Latvia are now making a name for

WELCOME TO LATVIA!

lish a base here, the country is becoming more vibrant and dynamic than ever – a real hub of

rage (1.3%).

entrepreneurial and cultural activity.

TOURISM AND LEISURE

TOURISM AND LEISURE

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS

The increase in GDP is driven mostly by a rapid rise in diversified exports and solid inflows

38

39

Latvia's strategic geographic location, historically strong sectors, and innovative, hard-

In order to help companies to take full advantage of these benefits, Latvia has developed a

working citizens make it an appealing destination. Additionally, the government has made the

comprehensive system to support foreign investors – the POLARIS process. The system is

attraction of foreign investment one of national priorities, further strengthening Latvia's com-

managed by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), which serves as the

petitive advantages.

one-stop agency for foreign companies looking to establish a new business or expand their base in Latvia.

Center for R&D and innovation

The POLARIS process is an investment strategy based on an alliance between several stake-



Regional leader in R&D for biotech equipment



One of the fastest internet connection speeds in the world



Largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in the Baltics



Lowest CO2 emissions per capita in the European Union

holders: the public sector, including national and local governments; the private sector, covering national and international companies; foreign investors who have invested in Latvia; and Latvian academic institutions, including main universities and research institutions.

The POLARIS process is a tool to be used by foreign investors who are looking for something beyond a low-cost investment. The knowledge provided by this strategic alliance will generate a successful location and ensure the fast launch of investment projects. The

Geographic hotspot 

Well-developed transport and logistics infrastructure



3 international ice-free ports, integrated with road and railway networks



Over 80 direct flights from Riga International Airport



A strategic gateway between Europe and the CIS

PORT AND TRANSPORT

Real Solutions and Investment Services

POLARIS process offers integrated business solutions to assist investors with their projects.

As a part of the POLARIS process, Latvia has identified eight key sectors, offering unique proposition to potential investors.

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PORT AND TRANSPORT

Competitive Advantages

Among the highest university enrollment rates in the world



Multiple language proficiency – widespread fluency in English and Russian



Highly competitive labour force in EU in various sectors



High wage-adjusted labour productivity

Woodworking

Metalworking, Machinery and Electronics

Life Sciences

Healthcare

Transportation and Logistics

Information Technology and Global Business Services

Greentech

Food Processing

Business-friendly environment 

Companies can be established in just one day



Special Economic Zones offer corporate tax discounts



15% corporate tax rate, rebates for large-scale investment projects



Investors discuss key issues directly with government officials

INVESTMENTS



Each of the eight sectors highlights the strongest areas with the best opportunities for investors for potential growth and success.

TOURISM AND LEISURE

TOURISM AND LEISURE

INVESTMENTS

Highly skilled and educated workforce

40

41

As Latvia continues its own path of economic success, the opportunities for growth will

Investors interested in exploring business opportunities in Liepaja are welcome to contact

only increase. Many global companies have already recognized Latvia as a favourable location for business by setting up operations here.

the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).

LIAA a "one-stop shop" for assistance in setting up and doing business in Latvia. An agency of the Ministry of Economics, LIAA's expert team acts as a first point of contact for potential

Sergejs Binkovskis, Executive Director

iCotton, Russia

investors and develops free of charge tailor-made solutions to meet each investor's specific

A leading manufacturers of hygienic and cosmetics

needs during all stages of planning and implementation. LIAA also collaborates with local busi-

goods in Russia, iCotton makes a wide range of prod-

ness councils and organizations and has an extensive network of global representatives in four-

ucts, including wet wipes, baby products, household

teen countries to provide you support every step of the way.

goods and household chemicals. To reach the

The Agency works in close collaboration with the city of Liepaja to provide support through-

European markets, iCotton chose to open operations

out the entire investment process. Services are free of charge and tailor-made to suit each

in Latvia in 2011, based on the country's worksforce

client's individual needs.

quality, especially the language skills, advantageous manufacturing costs and the central location. Located

LIAA welcomes foreign investment initiatives and invites to use its services:

in Liepaja, the company benefits from corporate income tax (CIT) rebate for its initial long term



Information on the economic and market situation

investment in Latvia.



Business opportunities and investment incentives



Contacts with business partners in Latvia and abroad



Identifying best real estate options



Cooperation with municipalities and academia



Access to relevant government officials



Assistance with start-up procedures and investment project aftercare

Cabot Corporation, USA A 130-year old specialty chemicals company with 45 manufacturing facilities in 21 countries, Cabot opened its Business Services Center in Riga, Latvia in 2014.

PORT AND TRANSPORT

Interested in exploring more about Liepaja?

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PORT AND TRANSPORT PRODUCTION AND SEZ

Foreign Investors

INVESTMENTS

financial, IT, purchasing and customer services to the company's operations in Europe, Middle East and Heather Ellis, Managing Director

Africa. Latvia's highly advanced IT infrastructure, convenient connections to other countries from the

Riga International Airport, the depth of the talent pool, the growing services capabilities and the cost structure appealed to Cabot.

For more information, please contact the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia: Perses iela 2, Riga, Latvia, LV-1442 Phone: +371 67039473 E-mail: invest@liaa.gov.lv www.liaa.gov.lv/en, www.liaa.lv/stories

INVESTMENTS

Staffed with over 125 people, it provides business,

Brabantia, Netherlands With exports to 80 countries, Brabantia is Europe's

TOURISM AND LEISURE

TOURISM AND LEISURE

leading supplier of innovative household products.

The company opened a production plant in Latvia in 2008, renovating a brownfield site and building an addition to it. By 2014 it was employing 95 people and had a turnover of 40 million euro. The main Georgijs Buklovskis, Factory Manager

reasons for selecting Latvia included a strong tradition in metalworking, Latvia's membership in the

European Union (EU), availability of ports and a business-friendly environment.

42

43

PORT AND TRANSPORT Chairman of board, Liepaja Region Tourism Information Office

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

Zane Gaile

INTRODUCING LIEPAJA The unique city of Liepaja, with its fine, white sandy beach is on the coast of the Baltic Sea. It is the third largest city in Latvia with a population of eighty thousand. A westerly wind, with 'The City Where Wind is Born'.

Liepaja can also be called a gateway to Latvia. Many of Latvia's guests who come from Lithuania and other Western-European countries, travel through the city.

One of the development priorities in Liepaja is tourism. Over the years tourism development has focused on a variety of tastes and interests. Liepaja is the place where the sea meets the

INVESTMENTS

a higher than average occurrence than in other parts of Latvia, has earned the city the name

shore, the wind meets the forest pines, the past meets the future, musicians meet their audience, ideas and dreams are realised, and holiday adventures can begin.

You are sure of a warm welcome in Liepaja! Everything you see, hear, feel, taste and smell

TOURISM AND LEISURE

makes this city so exciting and beautiful.

45

Latvia. The Liepaja theatre reper-

Liepaja is a city of art and music. It can be so diverse and varied and sometimes con-

toire is artistically very rich and

fusing.

diverse, including classical as well

Those who wish to enjoy Liepaja at their own pace can explore the city by following metal-

as contemporary plays, to be

lic music notes. These notes will take you around all the major tourist sites throughout the city

enjoyed by locals and visitors

centre, for example; observe Bertschi architecture, discover the history of Liepaja cinema, it is

alike. Lovers of classical music

easy – just follow the notes!

will greatly appreciate any per-

Liepaja is a city where you

formance

can breathe fresh air, experi-

by

the

Liepaja

Symphony Orchestra. The concert

ence new and different adven-

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PORT AND TRANSPORT

Liepaja is proud to have the oldest professional theatre in

hall "Great Amber" will open in

tures, by bicycle, boat or foot

November 2015 to delight every listener, who will be able to fully enjoy the highest quality

with family and friends. Alter-

music performances by artists from Latvia and abroad.

natively, just simply relax and have a good time, enjoying lazy

RECOMMENDATIONS:

walks on the vast beach during the day, then relaxing in a cof-

J.Cakstes Laukums – A square full of joy and

fee shop or restaurant in the

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PORT AND TRANSPORT

LIEPAJA INSPIRES!

laughter, where old and young, big or small

evening.

can enjoy the fountains. Come here in the

Liepaja beach has Blue Flag status. With white sand, various opportunities for recreation-

evening when the fountains are illuminated

al activities and lots of beach bars for refreshment. It is a place for everyone, you can ride the

and see a play of light and water!

wind and waves on a kite board in the kite board zone or play volleyball and football in the cenchildren there is a skate park. Equipment is also available to allow disabled people to enjoy the sun, sea and sand. In the evening beach parties are often held in the many marquees and coffee shops.

The Russian Empire and former Soviet Union have left Liepaja a very special legacy, Karosta, (Navy port). This area is especially interesting because of its military buildings and church, in addition to houses over one hundred years old and examples of 'Soviet style' apartment blocks. It is an area that was closed to general public and outsiders for almost half a century.

Karosta, where Tsarist military elegance sits side by side with Soviet time harshness, is especially charming in autumn. The northern

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS

tral part of the beach. There are swings and several play areas for smaller children, for older

breakwater protects Liepaja port from storms and sand. You are welcome to walk its 1800 metres!

Do not miss the festival of Latvian traditional culture ‘Livas ciems’ (Liva village) at the end

CULTURAL PULSE

of May, where you can buy produce from Latvian craftsmen and designers, and enjoy

Liepaja culture will satisfy everyone. There is something to suit any music, art or theatre

traditional Latvian folk songs and dances.

lover. Visitors to Liepaja museum will appreciate the building's architectural beauty and the exhibition which tells the history of Liepaja from Stone Age until the beginning of 20th century. Contemporary art exhibitions and different cultural events are regularly on display.

46

47

TOURISM AND LEISURE

TOURISM AND LEISURE

Come and visit us: relax, be entertained, enjoy sport, art and culture!

PORT AND TRANSPORT

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Inspired by the sea and rustling wind, music is born

Liepaja is the place for those people

from different rhythms. Liepaja offers all types of music

who enjoy activity holidays. Cyclists will

at live music evenings in its city coffee shops and beach

enjoy the cycle route which may be used

bars, or maybe at some of the classical music concerts.

throughout the city. In Jurmala park, new,

The chamber music festival ’Via Baltica’, celebrates its

international standard tennis courts have

finale on the beach, with the lighting of great magic

been built. A mini-golf course can be found

cauldrons. In summer you can't miss the biggest beach

near the Skate Park. You can rent a boat,

party ‘Summer Sound Liepaja’. Larger or smaller events

and go on a quiet fishing trip on Liepaja

are held in Liepaja every weekend!

Lake or, for the more adventurous, go kayaking on some of the rivers near Liepaja. The wind

The Liepaja anthem "City Where Wind is Born" is depicted by bronze sculptures located along the whole length of Kurmejas Prospect. By contrast the 'Walk of

and waves of the open sea make Liepaja a paradise for surfboarders and kite borders. There is a designated area on Liepaja beach for both of these activities.

If you are more of a sports spectator than a sports person, Liepaja offers wide variety of

Fame', is located in Rozu laukums, in the city centre. Here you can see fifty seven bronze

sports events from the city half marathon to the European Rally Championship which is held

plaques with the handprints of Latvian musicians.

every year in February. Liepaja also has professional football and ice-hockey teams, together with champions in motocross, windsurfing and tennis all gaining international recognition.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Did you know – The origin for Latvian rock

RECOMMENDATIONS:

music is in Liepaja? Next to the open-air

Feel free to use the 8 km beach, which

concert hall ‘Put, vejiòi!’ there is a six

boasts the whitest and finest sand and

metre tall sculpture 'The Ghost Tree',

extends well beyond the city borders, for

which commemorates the legendary

your sports activities.

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PORT AND TRANSPORT

DIFFERENT RHYTHMS OF MUSIC

button on one of the surrounding benches rock music will start to play.

Listen to the biggest mechanical organ in the world

Professionals as well as beginners can

in St. Trinity Lutheran Cathedral, and climb the

enjoy wakeboarding in Beberlini waters.

tower to see a panoramic view of Liepaja.

You can have a ride on SUP boards and

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS

Latvian rock group 'Livi'. By pressing a

boats or rent a steam house or sauna. In winter the water is transformed into an

TOURISM AND LEISURE

TOURISM AND LEISURE

ice skating rink.

To experience an eternal summer, try the pool and spa facilities at the The walking tour – 'Liepaja note by note' –

Liepaja Olympic recreational com-

follow the music notes in the pavement

plex.

cobblestones to explore the most notable tourist sites in Liepaja.

48

49

Liepaja is a city

Try the Liepaja dish Liepajas Menciòi available

which welcomes guests

only at the best Liepaja bars and restaurants.

and cares for their well-

This dish is served in an original clay pot and

being. Everyone knows

includes smoked cod, potatoes, onions – all

when they have good

cooked following an old recipe from south

food, people are happy

Kurzeme.

and open to adventures. A vast range of

It is like honey with the aroma of lime blossom at sunset.

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

bars, coffee shops and restaurants

can

PORT AND TRANSPORT

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Like the refreshing sea giving us bright amber… Cocktail

be

Liepaja Amber is a real gourmets drink offered in the finest

found in Liepaja.

The culinary traditions of Liepaja are based on local traditions, characteristic to generations

local bars and restaurants.

of coastal inhabitants. An example of the cuisine made by the Kurzeme coastal people – lîvi and kurði – is dried, lightly smoked or cured cod, a dish prepared long before the arrival of the

Fancy some local strawberries? Lightly salted gherkin?

German Crusaders in the 13th century.

Which are the most popular apples in Kurzeme? Try

In 2011 Liepaja was proud to present Liepajas Menciòi, a special local dish available in all

delicious smoked fish! Visit Peter's Market! The pavil-

best Liepaja restaurants and coffee shops. A temptingly nice hot pot of potatoes, smoked cod

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

PORT AND TRANSPORT

GASTRONOMY

ion of Peter's Market is recognized as one of the most

and onions cooked following an old south Kurzeme recipe. This special dish from Liepaja is one

beautiful market pavilions in Europe.

of the top five choices on local restaurant and coffee shop menus.

In addition, also popular, is a cocktail invented in Liepaja - Liepaja Amber. Likewise menciòi, it was created after a joined initiative of local businessmen and city council members and

INVESTMENTS

finest restaurants, bars and coffee shops in the centre as well as summertime beach bars.

Liepajas Menciòi and the cocktail Liepaja Amber may be the only examples given, but they are the most characteristic of Liepaja gastronomy. Liepaja pubs and restaurants offer you a broad range of different cuisines, including Latvian.

ACCOMMODATION Liepaja is excellent for long or short holidays, families with children, experienced and inexperienced travellers or students will all find a charming place to stay. Hotels and guest houses

Peter's Market is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike, for seasonal produce

can be found with special designs and creative atmospheres for the artistically focused guest.

from farms near and far. Fruits from the forest and the sea, home baked fresh bread and cakes,

Guests requiring an extra touch of luxury will appreciate the qualities of Liepaja's five star

flowers, herbal teas and much more.

hotels. Alternatively, spending a holiday in a cosy apartment or sea side holiday house will make

INVESTMENTS

USEFUL INFORMATION

characterizes the summer feeling of Liepaja. It is a real gourmets drink available in Liepaja's

you feel at home. Budget travellers and sports teams are also well catered for within Liepaja's

TOURISM AND LEISURE

TOURISM AND LEISURE

organized infrastructure.

History sources inform us that as early as the 19th century, Liepaja was a popular spa and swimming destination. Russian Tsars acknowledged this, and their visits encouraged many Russian aristocrats to spend their summers in Liepaja. Steps are being taken to bring Liepaja back to its former glory and spa resort status!

50

51

PORT AND TRANSPORT

To find more information about accommodation and what to see and do in Liepaja, where

NOTES

to eat and where to relax visit: www.liepaja.travel

LIEPAJA REGION TOURISM INFORMATION OFFICE You are welcome to visit the Liepaja Region Tourism information office where our skilled tourist specialists will help you plan your stay in Liepaja and surrounding areas, to make sure your visit is a happy and contented one. Here you can help yourself to free tourism booklets and maps, book tour guide services and themed tours, rent a bike and buy souvenirs from Liepaja and Liepaja region.

PRODUCTION AND SEZ

The Liepaja culture and sports event calendar is available here: www.kalendars.liepaja.lv

HOW TO GET TO LIEPAJA By car Riga – Liepaja, route A9, 220 km Klaipeda – Liepaja, route A11, 100 km By train From Riga Central Station.

For more detailed information: www.pv.lv, www.1188.lv

INVESTMENTS

By bus From Riga International Coach Terminal and from Riga International Airport.

From Ventspils, Kuldiga, Talsi, Klaipeda and Palanga.

For more detailed information: www.aslap.lv, www.1188.lv, www.liepajasture.lv, www.ecolines.lv By ferry boat From Travemünde (Lübeck), Germany, 20–24 h From Nynäshamn, Sweden, 12 h

TOURISM AND LEISURE

www.stenaline.lv By yacht Liepaja Yacht center By plane Riga International Airport www.riga-airport.com LIEPAJA SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE AUTHORITY

52

NOTES

LIEPAJA SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE AUTHORITY