On September 5, a key meeting was held that should significantly simplify the entry of capital manufacturers into the Latvian market. During the meeting with the mayor of Riga, Mr. Viesturs Kleinbergs, considerable attention was paid to discussing current issues related to the export of goods produced by Kyiv manufacturers, including the certification of goods for compliance by the city's authorities and laboratories. The mayor's response was prompt: working meetings organized by him took place the very next day.
It should be noted that numerous memoranda of cooperation and twinning agreements between Ukrainian and foreign cities create significant potential for promoting Ukrainian products to foreign markets and attracting international support. Cities have their own budgets and control or oversee terminal facilities, retail chains, and some important agencies and organizations, which can be used to expand economic cooperation.
It is particularly noteworthy that the direct involvement of Ukrainian business representatives in the negotiation process (as was the case during the Riga forum) is a key factor in achieving practical, rather than declarative, results. This allows for the targeted resolution of real problems faced by exporters.
The results of the meeting in Riga set an important precedent for effective “export diplomacy” at the city level, which will help Kyiv manufacturers obtain the necessary permits more quickly and enter the European market.