Data published January 15 by the Central Statistical Bureau show that in November 2020 the number of foreign and resident visitors comprised 50.3 thousand.
Economy
Covid-19 limiting measures, despite support mechanisms, have a significant impact on business. But small agricultural and food-producing companies have been able to grow or even start business at that time, Latvian Television reported January 14.
In view of the curfew set on weekends, public transport will not run past 22:00 on January 15, 16, 22, and 23, Rīgas satiksme said Thursday.
As of January 15, a negative Covid-19 test result will have to be presented for entry into Latvia. At the same time, there are exceptions, including those who have received the required doses of Covid-19 vaccine, the Ministry of Transport said January 14.
A high-profile Estonian businessman as been appointed as the new Chairperson of the RB Rail AS Supervisory Board.
Latvijas Banka, the Latvian central bank, is issuing a 2 euro commemorative coin dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the de jure recognition of the Republic of Latvia. The coin will only be available for online purchase in gift packaging and in souvenir sets.
Last year, the pandemic greatly impacted public transportation and passenger numbers. Rīga transport provider Rīgas satiksme said January 14 that adjusted timetables would be in place starting this weekend.
Starting Friday, a negative Covid-19 test will have to be presented upon entering Latvia. Travelers without proof of this will be subject to administrative responsibility, Ministry of Transport's Deputy State Secretary Dīns Merirands said January 13.
The minimum downtime benefit in Latvia has been increased from EUR 330 to EUR 500, government decided January 12.
On January 13, after an intensive snowfall during the night, streets and roads of Latvia are covered in snow and ice, said Rīga City council.
January 12 data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) show that in December 2020, compared to December 2019, the average level of consumer prices decreased by 0.5%.
The taxi industry has suffered quite a lot as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Latvian Radio reported January 12.
In 2020, only 2.01 million passengers were serviced at Riga International airport, 74.2% less than a year earlier, the airport said in a statement January 12.
The European Central Bank on January 11 said it was taking over supervision of Latvia's Citadele banka as part of its remit to regulate banks deemed to be of systemic importance.
The Swedish telecommunications group Tele2 has chosen Nokia as a partner for the development of the 5G core network in the Baltic States and Sweden, according to statements by the two companies January 11.
Provisional data released by the Central Statistical Bureau January 11 show that in November 2020 the foreign trade turnover of Latvia amounted to EUR 2.58 billion, which at current prices was 6.5 % larger than a year ago, of which the exports value of goods was 9.1 % higher, but imports value of goods – 4.1 % higher.
The long-renowned Dzintars (Amber) cosmetics brand is changing its name in an effort to change its fortunes, reports LSM's Latvian-language service.
Data of business tendency surveys published January 8 by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) show that in December 2020 business confidence indicators dropped in all sectors.
In 2020, the Latvian airline airBaltic transported 1.34 million passengers, or 73% less than a year ago, said airBaltic CEO Martins Gauss in a statement January 8.
The Latvian government decided January 7 that entry to Latvia will in future only be permitted if the traveler in question can show a negative Covid-19 test.
Latvia's financial regulator, the Financial and Capital Market Commission (FKTK) said January 7 it carried out 12 inspections of banks related to money-laundering issues and found "only a few cases" meriting punitive action.
Latvian airline airBaltic has been awarded a five-star Covid-19 safety rating by aviation industry company Skytrax, the airline said January 7.
The government is still discussing whether to require all arrivals in Latvia to present a negative Covid-19 test, said Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs on Latvian Radio January 6.
The Ministry of Economics has proposed a new model of retail rules. Retailers are hoping they will be more lenient, Latvian Radio reported January 6.
19 January 2021 sees the Latvian Capital Market Forum 2021 taking place online under the title: "Today's Decisions = Future Opportunities".
Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy as a whole, housing lending has been relatively successful in 2020, banking expert Ainārs Balcers told Latvian Radio January 5.
On January 6, 2021 Latvia will make a new year return to the financial markets to offer Notes in a competitive multi-price auction worth up to EUR 25 million.
Data compiled by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) and published January 4 show that, compared to November 2019, in November 2020, industrial production output rose by 2.7 % (according to calendar adjusted data at constant prices).
As of July, disposable plastic containers – bowls, plates, knives, forks, spoons and other tableware – will no longer be marketed in the European Union (EU), Latvian Radio reported January 4.
On January 2, flights from Rīga to London were renewed after being banned since December 21.