Discover international markets with UKTI’s export insight visit to Latvia

The visit is one of five Export Insight Visits organised by UKTI and takes place from Monday 23 – Wednesday 25 November. Delegates will learn how to approach the Latvian and wider Baltic market and will enjoy a networking reception at the Ambassador’s residence and 1:1 meetings with potential partners. There will also be a presentation from a local distributor and the chance to explore the city of Riga.

Strategically located at the crossroads of Northern and Eastern Europe with one of the fastest growing economies in the continent, the Latvian market is well suited to new exporters. The country has a strong appetite for brand Britain and English is widely used as a business language. The visit will coincide with British Week, organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in Latvia to promote the UK as a vibrant mix of tradition and innovation.

Key sectors for this visit are cyber and retail food: Riga is the European capital of free Wi-Fi and the Latvian food market is worth £1.8 billion.  Delegates will have the opportunity to speak and exhibit at a cyber seminar or meet buyers from a prestigious department store in the Baltics at a food and drink event.

Nick Lewis, Managing Director at M2M (GB) Ltd., based in Worcestershire, took part in the 2014 Export Insight visit to Sweden. Nick found contacts for his existing product, grohanger and made connections to enable the launch of a new idea, GreatBritishStore.com.

Nick comments: “The reception at the Ambassador’s residence was a brilliant way to meet new buyers in our sector and provided an invaluable face to face opportunity. An Export Insight Visit is not just about exporting however but about networking. On this visit I met Paul Noon OBE (UKTI) who has supported my idea for GreatBritishStore.com. I would encourage any business with a product or service to export to participate in an Export Insight Visit, for networking as well as for learning about international trade for business growth”.

Linda Smith, Head of International Trade at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce also comments:

“If you are thinking about starting to export but would like the support of a fully escorted business development visit, this could be for you”.