The programme for the visit included meetings and site visits that provided a comprehensive insight into Latgale as a region with a strong business environment, development potential, and a significant role in the context of national security. For this reason, the diplomats also visited the VEREMS mill in Rēzekne, where they learnt about the company’s operations, the development of its production, and its role in the region’s economic growth.

An important part of the visit was the discussions on the tools available for business development. There are two special economic zones operating in Latgale – the Latgale Special Economic Zone and the Rēzekne Special Economic Zone – which offer businesses incentives for implementing investment projects. It is essential for the region that, via diplomatic missions, information about these opportunities reaches businesspeople and investors in the countries they represent.

At the Latgale Embassy, GORS, the heads of diplomatic missions met with the leaders of Latgale’s local authorities and representatives of the Latgale Planning Region to discuss the region’s development priorities and current challenges. Later in the visit, the diplomats visited the State Border Guard College and the Canine Training Centre, before travelling on to the Grebņeva border checkpoint in Ludza Municipality. There, the guests were given a first-hand insight into the measures being taken to strengthen Latvia’s eastern border and the work of the State Border Guard on the external borders of the European Union and NATO.

This type of visit, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is now in its third year, giving foreign diplomats the opportunity to see Latgale’s businesses, local authorities, and regional development plans first-hand. The visit was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia in collaboration with the Latgale Planning Region.