The Latvian Exporters Association “The Red Jackets” has launched the Exporters' Skills Fund, an initiative aimed at creating a national, data-driven human capital development ecosystem tailored to the needs of exporting companies. The Fund will strengthen the international competitiveness of Latvian exporters by systematically developing workforce competencies and addressing the growing shortage of qualified skills, which is increasingly becoming a major constraint on business growth.
The initiative has been designed in response to rapid technological change, the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), and the transformation of the global economy, all of which are driving demand for new knowledge and skills throughout the export value chain.
A small number of companies generate significant economic contribution
Exports in Latvia are driven by a relatively small group of companies. Fewer than 6% of Latvian businesses export goods or services, yet they account for a substantial share of national tax revenues. Goods exporters alone contribute nearly 40% of all taxes paid by businesses.
"We are delighted to partner with the Ministry of Economics and the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia in responding to the Ministry of Education's invitation to pilot a Skills Fund. Through the Exporters' Skills Fund, we aim to help companies develop the skills and competencies needed to succeed in international markets and achieve sustainable growth," said Līva Stūrmane, Chair of the Board of the Latvian Exporters Association “The Red Jackets”.
According to the latest University of Latvia Economic Barometer, demand for labour in Latvia remains high, largely due to workforce shortages caused by adverse demographic trends. Wage growth is expected to continue, driven by labour shortages, sustained demand for employees, inflationary pressures, and the increasing need for skilled professionals. At the same time, the growing adoption of artificial intelligence solutions and more flexible working models will gradually reshape work organisation and the skills demanded by the labour market.
Skills that help businesses grow
The competitiveness of Latvian exporters increasingly depends not only on products, technology and capital, but also on the quality of human capital. Companies' ability to develop and effectively apply employee skills has become a decisive factor in increasing productivity, driving innovation, creating higher added value, and transforming knowledge into sustainable competitive advantage.
"The Exporters' Skills Fund will help address several key challenges currently facing Latvian businesses, including shortages of qualified specialists, growing demand for competencies required to expand into export markets, the adoption of modern sales and export strategies, and the need to rapidly adapt to changing market requirements and technological developments," said Liene Gaspažiņa, CEO of Silmor. "This initiative will enable companies to systematically develop the future-oriented skills they need, strengthening the competitiveness of Latvian exporters and their ability to succeed in global markets."
What the fund will offer
The Exporters' Skills Fund will provide modern, flexible learning opportunities aligned with labour market needs, offering both upskilling and reskilling programmes for existing and aspiring exporters.
The Fund's priority is to develop competencies that are essential for increasing Latvia's export capacity and productivity. These include international market development, international sales and business development, innovation management, digitalisation, process automation, and the practical application of artificial intelligence to support export growth.
The Fund will be implemented in close cooperation with businesses, public institutions, higher education institutions and industry organisations, creating a demand-driven human capital development model aligned with future labour market needs. To ensure its long-term sustainability and effectiveness, the Fund's impact will be regularly assessed by analysing employee competency development, productivity growth, export performance, and return on investment in human capital development and business competitiveness.
Applications
Applications for participation in the Exporters' Skills Fund programmes are expected to open in autumn 2026, with the first training programmes scheduled to begin in early 2027.
The programmes will be open to exporting and growth-oriented companies from various industries that have clearly identified their workforce development needs. Before applications open, the training portfolio will be finalised, along with participant selection criteria and support mechanisms.
Detailed information on application requirements and deadlines will be published on the Latvian Exporters Association The Red Jackets website and communication channels.
The project No. 4.2.4.1/2/25/A/002 "Establishment and Pilot Implementation of the Exporters' Skills Fund" is implemented under Measure 4.2.4.1 "Support for Sector-Based Adult Education" of the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027, with co-financing from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Latvian State budget.
About the Latvian Exporters Association “The Red Jackets”
The Latvian Exporters Association “The Red Jackets” brings together more than 80 leading exporting companies and is one of Latvia's most active business organisations. The Association represents exporters' interests, promotes competitiveness, and contributes to initiatives that support Latvia's economic development.
Beyond advocacy, The Red Jackets fosters the exporter community, encourages knowledge sharing, and strengthens Latvia's export ecosystem, including the establishment of the country's first Exporters' House in Riga.
More information: https://theredjackets.lv/
Source: University of Latvia Economic Barometer
https://www.lvpeak.lu.lv/zinatniskie-projekti/lv-peak-ekonomikas-barometrs/
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