Minister for Finance Discusses Investment Attraction and Support for the Development of the Eastern Border Region with EBRD Leadership

On Thursday, June 4, Minister for Finance Māris Kučinskis met with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) President Odile Renaud-Basso, First Vice President Greg Guyett and Vice President for Operations Matteo Patrone to discuss the EBRD’s future involvement in promoting investment in Latvia, support for the development of the eastern border region, cooperation in implementing energy and infrastructure projects, as well as issues related to Ukraine’s reconstruction. The meeting took place on the eve of the EBRD Board of Governors’ Annual Meeting and Business Forum, which will be held in Riga from June 5 to 7.

“The presence of EBRD leaders and shareholders in Riga, holding the meeting right here, is a direct signal to businesses worldwide that Latvia offers a secure environment for investment. It is particularly important at this time to attract EBRD-financed projects specifically to the regions located on Latvia’s - and thus the European Union’s - eastern border, thereby promoting both military and economic security. This is essential both for the country’s overall security and economic development, and to ensure that residents do not wish to leave the regions located along the eastern border,” emphasized Minister for Finance Māris Kučinskis.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized that strengthening Latvia’s eastern border is one of the government’s priorities. The active involvement and presence of international financial institutions, including the EBRD, is a crucial signal of security, stability, and confidence to investors. In this context, the European Commission’s EastInvest Facility initiative is particularly significant as a tool for mobilizing investment in the EU’s eastern border regions. Latvia looks forward to the EBRD’s active participation in the practical implementation of this initiative to mitigate investment risks and promote the region’s economic resilience and sustainable growth.

Full information is provided on the website of the Ministry of Finance: https://www.fm.gov.lv/en/article/minister-finance-discusses-investment-attraction-and-support-development-eastern-border-region-ebrd-leadership .