Riga has significant role in economic transformation - Karins

RIGA - Riga has a significant role in successful economic transformation, said Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) during his meeting with Riga Mayor Martins Stakis (Progressives/For) and Vice MAyor Vilnis Kirsis (New Unity).

As LETA learned from the prime minister's office, Karins noted during the meeting that the government's main goal is economic transformation - increase of high added value export in overall national economy.

Stakis and Kirsis informed the prime minister on the city's development plans, including infrastructure improvements, using EU funds. Both officials also said that the Riga City Council is working on improvement of the quality of life, increasing greenery and reducing transport in the city center, motivating people to choose Riga as their place of residence.

The prime minister voiced support to the Riga City Council's development plans and readiness to continue constructive cooperation.

Riga Mayor Stakis told LETA that the parties discussed a broad range of issues, including changes in financing the fund for equalization of local government finances.

The mayor said that a meeting with the Finance Ministry has been scheduled in which the city will present its proposal on the necessary changes. He said that calculation of equalization should consider also municipalities' expenses for public transport, infrastructure, etc.