Economic cooperation between Latvia and China has increased in recent years and we hope that the appointing of the new ambassador will only further our successful cooperation. This was emphasised by Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, on Tuesday, 22 September, when she met with Huang Yong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Latvia, on his introductory visit to the Saeima.
Stable dialogue between the two countries is a sound foundation for further economic development. Parliamentary contacts also play an important role in bilateral relations, and group for interparliamentary relations with China is one of the biggest in the Saeima, Speaker Mūrniece noted. Latvia is interested in enhancing cooperation in the sectors of investments, transportation and logistics, as well as culture and education, the Speaker of the Saeima emphasised.
China is Latvia’s 13th largest trade partner, and in 2014 our exports to China increased by 28%. Certification for the Chinese market of meat and dairy products significantly boosted Latvian exports, and the first products from Latvia have already reached Chinese consumers. Speaker Mūrniece also said that we would like to enhance our cooperation in this area by offering Latvian products to Chinese consumers.
When discussing cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries in the 16+1 format, the Speaker of the Saeima said that Latvia is willing to host the 16+1 summit in Riga in 2016.
The Speaker of the Saeima and the Chinese ambassador both expressed content with the successful cooperation in culture. This summer the Beijing opera held a guest performance in the Latvian National Opera, while in spring the Liepāja Symphonic Orchestra went on a concert tour through China.
Photos from the meeting are available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/saeima/albums/72157658539012540
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evpj8VAe8nc
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Saeima Press Service