Develop the regions, urges Hohlmeier

  • 2013-08-20
  • From wire reports

The Latvian government should pay more attention to the development of regions, believes European Parliament member (MEP) from Germany Monika Hohlmeier, who was on a three-day visit to Latvia, reports LETA. Hohlmeier visited Latvia by MEP Inese Vaidere’s invitation, to become familiar with Latvia’s economic and social situation and discuss further cooperation between Germany and Latvia.

Hohlmeier and Vaidere discussed several important matters for Latvia. Hohlmeier was critical of the fact that more than half of Latvia’s population lives in and around Riga. She called on Latvia to think more about the development of the regions and mentioned Bavaria, where state institutions are being moved away from Munich, as an example. Latvia also has state institutions and agencies which should not be located in Riga, explained Hohlmeier.

“I believe that Latvia should follow international practices, which are being implemented in Germany and other European Union countries, since its is important for each country to develop its regions,” added Vaidere.

The sides also discussed Latvia’s economic development opportunities, concluding that Latvia must be more active when working on improving its industrial policy to facilitate competitive manufacturing. State support for small companies is important for these companies to grow into large and stable manufacturers, emphasized Hohlmeier.

Vaidere believes that Hohlmeier’s visit was a success and notes that Germany’s expertise and support is much needed for Latvia, since both countries are united by a similar mentality and love of work.