75 companies have already applied to the platform set up by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency, which compiles information on who makes products, such as facial shields, facial masks, hand and surface disinfectants, as well as specialized clothing and other products, for COVID-19 containment and wants to export them.
Until now, information on COVID-19-related products made in Latvia has been distributed through embassies, honorary consuls and the diaspora. LIAA Director Rožkalns said there are success stories in terms of export volume: "For example, company Spodrība's disinfectants have performed well on the U.K. market and the volume of products is steadily increasing. The same applies to the textile sector, for example, Nemo has re-qualified for the production of facemasks."
However, it is necessary to address the problem of digitalization of businesses, because some companies do not have Internet shops. Even if their products are of interest, they cannot be properly examined and purchased online. "An international competitiveness agenda has been launched two weeks ago, in which companies can also apply for digital support for the conversion, development and translation of their home pages. With Internet stores, customers will be able to go directly through our platform to the manufacturer's shop," explained Rožkalns.
