Latvia: Competition Council to monitor Liepaja SEZ management model change

Competition Council (KP) promises to follow possible competition restrictions that could follow after the change of the management model of Lieapaja special economic zone (Liepaja SEZ), as explained in the letter sent by KP to Liepaja Port Tenants Association. At the beginning of August Liepaja Port Tenants Association “categorically objected” to Transport Ministry’s developed amendments…

Latvia: Riga City Council to borrow EUR 8.9 million for transport infrastructure development

To contribute to implementation of investment projects in Riga’s transport infrastructure, the municipality’s interim administration decided to borrow EUR 8.9 million from the State Treasury, as confirmed by Riga City Council. This money is planned to be used on reconstruction of Ieleja Street and Asnu Street, outline red lines for parking areas along streets, cycling…

Latvia: alcoholic beverages output down ion H1 2020

In the first half-year of 2020, a total of 23.346 million liters of alcoholic beverages (aside from beer) was produced in Latvia, down by 8.9% YoY, according to information from the State Revenue Service (VID). Additionally, small alcoholic beverage producers with valid licenses issued under beneficial conditions produced 35,000 liters of alcoholic beverages in the…

Latvia: GDP to drop in 2020

Latvia’s GDP may decline by 7% this year, but if a second wave of COVID-19 comes, the country’s GDP may drop by 9%, as detailed in Finance Ministry’s macro-economic development scenario. The macro-economic scenario will be used as foundation for the state budget of 2021 and medium-term budget content in 2021-2023. The base scenario details…

Latvia: unemployment up in Q2 2020

In April-June, unemployment rate comprised 8.6%. Compared to the previous quarter, rate of unemployment has risen by 1.2%, but during a year – by 2.2%. In the result of Covid-19 crisis, the number of unemployed increased. In Q2, the number of unemployed persons aged 15-74 comprised 83.5 thousand, up by 22 thousand YoY and by…