Hariton talks business

RIGA - Energy and information technologies have the potential to attract U.S. investments, the U.S. State Department’s Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Lorraine Hariton said an interview with the business daily Dienas Bizness after a visit to Latvia on March 4, reports Nozare.lv. During the visit, Hariton had meetings with representatives from the Foreign Ministry, American Chamber of Commerce and Latvian Investment and Development Agency, as well as businessmen from the energy, so-called “innovations” and high-tech sectors.

The energy sector has much potential, Hariton said. She had a meeting with Latvian energy sector and government representatives to discuss cooperation opportunities in this area. Cooperation in the IT sector also appears to have good prospects, she noted.
Asked to comment whether U.S. businesses are also interested in launching production in Latvia, Hariton emphasizes that Latvia is an outstanding place for regional experts. Also, Latvia has a well-educated labor force, and it has an attractive geographic position.

Hariton said that U.S. investors may have an interest in the construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal in the Baltic countries, in building a new nuclear power plant in Lithuania, as well as in the development of renewable energy resources.
International bio-energy programs were also discussed during Hariton’s meetings with Latvian officials. Commenting on cooperation in the IT sector, Hariton says that one Latvian company has already opened offices in California’s Silicon Valley. A company that wishes to conquer the U.S. IT market must be represented in the Silicon Valley, even if it does all the research work in Latvia, says Hariton.