Energy, Good for Business, Investments, Latvia, Markets and Companies, USA

Valdis Zatlers at the Suzlon Wind Energy. Chicago, 5.04.2011. Photo: president.lv

In the morning, Zatlers met with the management of pharmaceutical company "Abbott Laboratories" and invited its representatives to cooperate with Latvian pharmaceutical companies and visit Latvia to become familiar with the pharmaceutical industry in Latvia.

Zatlers also met with the management of the largest drugstore chain in the United States – Walgreens. Walgreens provides access to consumer goods, services and pharmacy in all U.S. states. Both sides discussed the possible sale of Latvian products at Walgreens stores.

Representatives of various Latvian companies – Advaita, Pure Chocolate, Bio2You, Lacu maize, Madara and Wuff it! also participated in the meeting. Zatlers noted that, during his visit to the United States, he has also become a Walgreens client and would like to be able to buy quality and interesting Latvian products in the company's stores.

The president also met Suzlon Wind Energy CEO Andris Cukurs. The company produces wind generators and related products, and services them throughout the world.

Within the framework of the meeting, Zatlers informed the company's management about the latest developments in Latvian energy sector, and invited the company to participate in the establishment of wind parks in the Baltic Sea. Representatives of Latvian Association of Wind Energy and "Baltic Wind Park" company also participated in the meeting, and informed the U.S. company about their vision of project.

New business contacts was the main subject of Zatlers' meeting with Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. Zatlers informed the high ranking officials about the advantages of business environment in Latvia and investment opportunities in Latvia. The U.S. side expressed interest about Latvian ports and energy market.

As reported, on March 27, Zatlers departed on a one-week working visit to the United States. Besides Detroit and Lansing, the president also visited Washington D.C. and Chicago (Illinois).

The aim of the visit primarily was to promote political dialogue between Latvia and the United States.

Today, Zatlers will return to Latvia.