This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.

Overview

Due to Latvia's modest natural resource base and its strategic location between the EU and large markets to the East, the transportation sector is one of the most important in the country.  Latvia’s geography, infrastructure, proximity to Russia, and close ties with other former Soviet-occupied countries are a unique asset for this sector.  Latvia is also within the Schengen area.  As a result, this sector contributes more to the country’s GDP than the manufacturing industry as a whole.

Leading Sub-Sectors

Latvia has three major ice-free sea ports: Riga, Liepaja, and Ventspils.  Each is actively working to expand and improve services and offer support mechanisms for potential investors.  The best prospects are in developing different cargo terminals in the specified sea ports.  In addition, the Rezekne Special Economic Zone provides excellent business opportunities as a railway hub close to Russia.

Opportunities

Please see the Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union dedicated to European public procurement.
Latvian Export and Import Directory
The Latvian government has identified the development of an effective, secure, multi-modal, and competitive transportation system as a priority.  The goal for the sustainable development of Latvia’s transportation system is to fully integrate Latvia’s infrastructure with the trans-European, multi-modal transportation system.  Latvia has launched a sustained effort to develop trade and transport links to Asia including India and China.
Latvia is also participating in the Rail Baltica project, a 5 billion euro infrastructure-development project that will connect Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland – with a possible future link to Finland – through a European-gauge rail system.    The project will create a number of procurement opportunities for U.S. exporters, particularly in the areas of infrastructure design, construction services, and railway equipment. 

Another project that may create opportunities for U.S. exporters is a plan to electrify Latvia’s current railway infrastructure.  The current plan is to electrify 840 km of railway lines, with an estimated 1.3 billion EUR investment.  The project will be implemented in three phases and is expected to be completed in 2030.   
There are many opportunities in Latvia given its good port access, its railways to Russia, and its high labor competitiveness.  Latvia is responding to this projected growth by taking measures to increase Latvia’s trade and transportation linkages.  In addition to rail and seaports, Latvia has the potential to grow in road freight by investing in infrastructure improvements, and in air transport for both passengers and freight.  Opportunities also exist in construction and the development of industrial, logistics, and distribution parks.
 
Web Resources

Latvian Ministry of Transport 
Latvian Transit and Logistics Sector Overview 
Latvian Investment and Development Agency
Riga Free Port  
Ventspils Free Port  
Liepaja Free Port
Rezekne Special Economic Zone
Latgale Special Economic Zone
Rail Baltica:

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.