Industry of Latvia: textile, clothing, amber craft. Riga Carriage Works. Food industry enterprises

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Many for some reason unjustifiably believe that Latvia is a country in which practically nothing is produced. Yes, unfortunately, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, this small B altic state experienced a severe economic crisis due to the rupture of economic and industrial ties that had been clearly established over the years with other former Soviet republics. However, today we can already confidently state that Latvian industry is alive and even showing signs of growth. We will consider this topic in as much detail as possible in the article.

Food and textiles

Light and food industries are those areas of the national economy of the Latvian state that have been slowly increasing their momentum in recent years. Yes, this process is not going as fast as we would like, but the dynamics are still positive, and Riga knitwear is starting to be sold not only within Latvia, but also in other countries of the world.

It is worth noting that the production of food and beverages provides a quarter of the country's total income. At the same time, more and more often in stores you can see local products that were previously imported from abroad. food industryLatvia is represented on the domestic market by the following major players: Rīgas piena kombināts, Dobeles dzirnavnieks, Antaris, Rīgas dzirnavnieks, Aloja-starkelsen, Cido grupa, B alticovo, Puratos, Spilve.

Work in Latvia in the food industry is focused on the stable export of hard cheeses, butter, milk, canned fish, fruit and berry preparations, pickles, grain and meat products, confectionery, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. All this is supplied even to the USA, South Africa, UAE. In addition, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia are constant partners in the production of food products.

As for the light industry, there are basically no large companies in this segment of the economy in Latvia. The only exception is the Lauma factory. According to experts, the textile sector provides about 4% of the country's industrial income. At the same time, local producers have repeatedly noted that they are able to significantly increase the volume of output, but there is an acute shortage of labor and qualified personnel. The most famous companies are Stora Enso Latvija, Verems, Gaujas koks, Pata AB, BSW, Latsin.

An integral part of the production of textiles can be called the production of beautiful underwear, the quality and design of which was highly appreciated at many international exhibitions both in Europe and in the Russian Federation. Designers from Latvia have already gained worldwide recognition, because they often participate in numerous fashion shows. Riga knitwear is recognized by manyhigh-quality products to global consumers.

A distinctive feature of the sewing giants of Latvia is that they fulfill their orders very quickly. This became possible due to the fact that the factories use modern technologies: high-precision laser cutting of fabrics, short-term cutting and production of waterproof fabrics.

Production of paper and paper products

The Latvian industry also includes the pulp industry. This industry provides income to the state budget in the amount of 2% of the entire existing industrial environment. Despite such a small figure, the Latvian printing industry shows that it is very competitive in the world market. Now there is a good trend: Latvian paper producers are reaching new heights, starting to sell their environmentally friendly products not only to neighboring Scandinavian countries, but also to the more western corners of the European continent.

Chemical industry

This direction of the national economy provides almost 3% of the total available output of the country. The Republic of Latvia produces a wide range of household chemicals and industrial gases. A serious role is assigned to the production of biological fuel. The most important participants in this market segment can be considered the Riga Paint and Varnish Plant, Tenachem, Bio-Venta, Stenders. Paints, primers, adhesives are produced in the country - all this is produced by 14 Latvian enterprises. Also, chemical companies of the state produce concrete products, ceramic tiles, gypsum products.

The Latvian Institute of Inorganic Chemistry conducts special research that allows the development of high-temperature synthesis to eventually obtain nanopowders.

Pharmacology

Olainfarm and Grindeks are rightfully considered the real "titans" of this industry. Their products can be easily found in any pharmacy in the country. At the same time, the Silvanols company begins to actively step on their heels. The pharmaceutical industry pays 2.5% of its annual output to the state treasury.

The Institute of Organic Synthesis is also considered a major producer of the industry. According to experts, the pharmaceutical industry, for the most part, has chosen a development strategy based on the direction of low risks (development and creation of generics and nutritional supplements).

Special attention should be paid to the company Silvanols, which specializes in the production of over-the-counter medicines, which are based on exclusively natural ingredients. You can not ignore the company Pharmidea, which produces sterile forms for injections.

If we mention genetic research, then in Latvia work in this direction is carried out in a clear, one might even say strict accordance with the legislation of the country. All novelties can be registered and then the corresponding patent can be obtained at the Patent Office of the Republic.

Transportation

Latvian transport companies are verydeveloped thanks to the well-planned logistics of the state. It takes just 48 hours to reach 25 million customers across the entire B altic region. Studies have shown that the railway route from Riga to China can be traveled a month faster than the shortest sea route. And from the Riga airport you can get to almost a hundred points on the world map, and flights are carried out not only in Europe, but also across the Atlantic.

Ports such as Ventspils and Liepaja do not freeze even in winter, which makes it possible for them to receive crude oil and oil products all year round. In addition, special economic zones have been created in these ports to create the most favorable conditions for doing business and attracting investments. The unconditional advantage of these sea gates is that they have a huge potential in the form of undeveloped territories.

Also, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia are interconnected by an international transport corridor called Via B altica. The priority areas are the development and construction of logistics centers for the distribution of traffic flows, industrial parks.

Rubber and plastic products

The industry of Latvia, namely the production of rubber and plastic products, is mainly oriented towards local consumers, which is explained by the high degree of activity of builders. It will be rational to note that this industry is just the one that is able to fully coverthe need of domestic buyers, due to which it is possible to refuse imports in this direction. The production of rubber and plastics makes it possible to contribute 2.3% of the total amount of incoming funds to the treasury of the state.

Evopipes, Rotons, Poliurs, B altijas gumijas fabrika, Sunningdale Tech, Fedak-Films, HGF Riga.

Information and Communication Technology

This sector of the Latvian economy began its active development in the 1960s. It was at that time that the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science was opened, as well as the Institute of Electronics. Latvia was connected to the World Wide Web in 1992. As of 2016, the Republic of Latvia entered the top ten states in which the highest Internet connection speed, and the service itself is available to 90% of the local population.

The main sub-sectors of the country's information sector can be considered the development of software, various mobile applications, payment systems, hosting, and the formation of e-commerce.

Official statistics say that in 2015 more than 6,000 companies were involved in the information segment of the country. At the same time, only 114 of them were engaged in the production of computer equipment. The number of employed people in the IT-sphere amounted to more than 28,000 people. The main business partners of Latvia in the international arena are Sweden and M alta.

In this B altic republic, one of the most used e-commerce services isInternet banking, due to which many Latvian banks have achieved excellent results in their work.

Also, the creation of mobile applications and electronic programs for the government, the Ministry of He alth, and local authorities is considered a promising direction in the country.

In the summer of 2012, an IT center was opened in Riga, the main purpose of which was to give everyone an opportunity to get acquainted with the new achievements of the sector. This institution has already been visited by a huge number of people, including government delegations from other countries.

Metalworking and mechanical engineering

Latvian industry is simply unthinkable without mechanical engineering and metal processing. This sector of the economy is the most promising in the country, as many foreign companies are investing in it.

The industry uses advanced technology, but traditional methods are also not forgotten. To date, Latvian enterprises have carried out restructuring in order to establish the production of export-oriented products.

In 2015, mechanical engineering and metalworking gave the state 1.1 billion euros to the treasury, and in 2016 this figure already amounted to 3.3 billion. Over 70% of products are delivered abroad. The main consumers are: Estonia, Russia, Germany, Sweden, Denmark.

Long-term and professional contracts have been signed largely due to the fact that the majority of Latvian enterprises have been awarded ISO 9000 quality certificates.

The Riga Carriage Works deserves special attention. It was foundedin 1985 by Oskar Freiwirth. The enterprise specialized in the production of electric and diesel trains, city trams. In addition, the plant also carried out the repair of railway equipment. However, unfortunately, in 1997 the legendary enterprise was declared bankrupt, and its property was sold. Today, the plant is working again, and its diesel train DR1B was recognized as the best export product from Latvia in 2005.

Woodworking and forestry

Working in Latvian forest enterprises is, in fact, a public service, since about 50% of all forest land in the country is owned and controlled by the state. In the past 80 years, the area of forests in the country has almost doubled. Latvian forests are in an advantageous position compared to the rest of the world's forests because their general condition is excellent and the area under plantations is regularly increasing.

About 75% of wood-based products are exported. In 2015, the income from the sale of wood products and raw materials amounted to 2 billion euros. In addition to sawn timber and roundwood, the volume of exports of cardboard, paper, wooden containers, building materials begins to increase.

The main consumers of the industry's products are the UK, Germany, Sweden, which purchase goods from Avoti SWF, Daiļrade koks, Elīza-K, Pinus GB and others.

Jewelry & Cosmetics

Jewellery industry in Latvia alsoquite developed. Traditions of Latvian masters are maintained to this day. You can learn such a delicate matter at the Latvian Academy of Arts, schools in Ventspils, Kraslava, Jelgava. Amber jewelry from the coast of the B altic Sea has a special price and is highly rated in the professional environment and among consumers. After storms on the coast south of Ventspils in Latvia, true jewelry lovers often collect this stone. In general, historically, the amber route runs through Latvia from the B altic to Rome. In addition, amber jewelry in the country is used in the production of accessories and textiles.

It is also worth noting that this B altic republic is home to a fairly large number of high-class jewelry craftsmen who continue the glorious traditions of their ancestors.

Dzintars cosmetics deserve a special story. This company is based in Riga. Her specialization is the creation of perfumes, herbal ingredients, cosmetics. The team employs about 400 people.

During the period from 1998 to 2004, the company reorganized, thanks to which it received certificates from a German audit company. Also, the company has long had documents confirming the quality of its products - ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO / IEC 17025. In addition, the company was awarded the most prestigious award by The World Intellectual Property Organization. And in 2010, Dzintars specialists received an international license Ecocert.