Professor Lord Bhattacharyya today welcomed the Prime Minister of Latvia, Mr Valdis Dombrovskis, and the Latvian delegation to WMG’s International Digital Laboratory.

The visit was part of a high profile event at which Mr Valdis Dombrovskis gave an address to Midlands companies about the opportunities of doing business in the Baltic state. The government of Latvia regards the attraction of foreign direct investment as an important input for successful economic recovery and were pleased to host a seminar in which to engage with potential partners.

The seminar also examined the exciting launch of Polaris – a new strategy to support new and existing investors focused on high value-added activities. This would benefit those intent on capitalising on Latvia’s outstanding natural and geopolitical advantages as well as its highly qualified labour force – especially for those considering new Research and Development opportunities. The audience also heard from prominent speakers from British and Latvian business and diplomatic communities.

The event was organised by the Midlands World Trade Forum (MWTF) in partnership with the Latvian Embassy and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia.

During the visit, Professor Lord Bhattacharyya and Mr Dombrovskis had an opportunity to discuss the opportunities for both countries and the research and development undertaken in areas such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare and digital technologies.