More than 150 participants from 19 countries are coming for the Latvian Dual-Use Export Forum in Rēzekne on 6–7 September, bringing international companies together with Baltic manufacturers as Europe increases defence investment and restructures its industrial supply chains.
One month before the second Latvian Dual-Use Export Forum, more than 150 participants from 19 countries have already confirmed their participation, reflecting rapidly growing international interest in Latvia’s dual-use technology and defence industry potential.
The forum will take place on 6–7 September in Rēzekne, in Latvia’s easternmost region and on the EU and NATO eastern border. It will bring together defence and dual-use manufacturers, technology companies, investors, suppliers and system integrators looking for new partnerships and opportunities in the Baltic region.
This year’s international representation is broader than ever before. Companies from the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia and other countries have registered for the forum. International participants among others include GDELS, Analog Devices, HISDESAT, Gühring, Fischer Panda and Sine Engineering.
Overall, representatives of around 50 international companies and up to 120 Latvian companies are expected to participate, with more than 180 business meetings planned.
“One month before the forum, we have already reached the highest level of international interest since the forum was established. More than 150 participants from 19 countries demonstrate that Latvia is becoming increasingly visible on the European dual-use and defence industry map. Our goal is to create an environment where companies not only make contacts, but find new cooperation partners, customers and supply chain opportunities. Rēzekne was not chosen for this forum by chance – it is a place where security, industry, innovation and export potential come together,” says Līva Stūrmane, Chairwoman of the Board of the Latvian Exporters Association “The Red Jackets”.
Europe’s growing defence industry creates new export opportunities
Dual-use technologies – solutions that can be used in both civilian and defence sectors – are currently one of the fastest-growing segments of European industry. European countries are significantly increasing defence investment, restructuring supply chains and actively seeking new, reliable partners.
For companies able to become part of NATO and European defence industry supply chains, the current shift creates an opportunity to establish strong positions for the long term.
At the same time, working across civilian and defence markets can make businesses more resilient to market fluctuations. The quality, security and certification standards required by the defence sector can also strengthen companies’ competitiveness in other industries.
“Strengthening Latvia’s defence capabilities and developing local industry are closely connected. Every company capable of developing technologies, systems or components for defence needs simultaneously strengthens both national security and its own export potential. It is also important for us that the industry has opportunities to demonstrate its solutions in a real-world environment, while receiving direct feedback from soldiers and international partners,” says Raivis Melnis, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia.
The choice of Rēzekne gives the forum particular relevance in the current European security environment
Latgale forms the eastern border of Latvia, the European Union and NATO, while Rēzekne is a regional centre with significant manufacturing, technology and logistics potential and is increasingly becoming an important location for defence industry development.
Holding the forum there brings discussions about European defence capacity, industrial resilience and new supply chains directly to a region where security, industrial development and export potential increasingly intersect.
From technology demonstrations to direct business meetings
The forum will begin on 6 September with Industry Day, featuring defence technology demonstrations. Participants will have an opportunity to explore Latvia’s defence innovation ecosystem, visit LEAX Rēzekne, Bee Tactics and VEREMS, and take part in networking activities and individual business meetings.
On 7 September, the main forum programme will take place at the GORS Concert Hall in Rēzekne, featuring expert panel discussions on the development of the dual-use and defence industries, technology presentations by Latvian companies, an EXPO area and pre-scheduled individual meetings with potential customers, investors, suppliers, as well as NATO and European Union system integrators.
On 8 September, international delegations and other interested participants will have an opportunity to take part in company visits in Riga.
The Latvian Dual-Use Export Forum is organised by the Latvian Exporters Association “The Red Jackets” in cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), the Ministry of Economics and the Ministry of Defence.
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