Baltic Export, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Markets and Companies, Textile

According to Krauja, a meeting of the Association of the Textile and Clothing Industry took place last year at which there was discussion of export opportunities to the Scandinavian countries. "Success stories were told, and this inspired me. We began cooperation with the export firm "Gateway Baltic", who sought out several businesses who we were able to cooperate with. We went there and met with each company, discussed everything together and agreed on cooperation. At first the Swedes did not believe that these products could be made in prison, but in the end we received new orders for the Swedish market," said Krauja.

The businessman spoke about how initially many in Sweden did not want to enter into cooperation with the company due to its state ownership, as it seemed to them that the moment would come when the Latvian company would no longer be able to fulfill it commitments, writes LETA.

"In one conversation I was also told – everything you told us was great, but we associate entrepreneurship with Estonia. Despite our financial figures and explanations that the economic situation was not affecting our business, they were still afraid that the market could have an affect and the moment would come when we would not be able to fulfill our commitments. Problems were also created by the fact that it is not possible to insure Latvian business transactions. One Finnish company was supplying us with raw materials which we paid for after delivery, and all transactions were insured. However, insurance is now being refused for Latvian deliveries, and we have to pay for everything in advance," indicated Krauja.

The firm SRC Brasa was founded on September 11, 2006. Its textile production operations are carried out at workshops in Ilguciems and Brasa prisons.