Rēzekne to host second 'Dual-Use Export Forum'

The forum is being organized by the Latvian Exporters Association “The Red Jackets” in cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), the Ministry of Economics, and the Ministry of Defence. More than 170 industry participants from Europe, the United States of America (USA), and the Baltic states are expected to gather in Latgale, according to Labs of Latvia. 'Dual-use' companies operate simultaneously in two different but inter-related markets – the civilian and defence sectors. “Latvia has every opportunity to become an important player in the field of dual-use technologies and security innovation. Our companies are already demonstrating competitiveness at an international level — from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to advanced mobility and manufacturing solutions. This forum is an essential platform that helps Latvian companies establish direct contacts with global partners, integrate into international supply chains, and strengthen export capacity. It is especially significant that the forum takes place in Rēzekne and Latgale — a region where issues of security, innovation, and economic development are becoming increasingly strategic not only for Latvia, but for Europe as a whole,” said Ieva Jāgere, Director of LIAA. Rēzekne, as the regional centre of the eastern Latgale region, is a strategically important point in the security architecture of Latvia and by extension, the EU's and NATO’s eastern border, and it is here that dual-use technologies, security solutions, and export topics gain particular significance. “Hosting the forum in Rēzekne is a strategic choice," said Līva Stūrmane, Chairperson of the Board of the Latvian Exporters Association “The Red Jackets”. "The first forum demonstrated that Latvian companies have much to offer the international market. This year we are taking the next step by expanding the range of participants, increasing the number of business meetings, and attracting even broader international company representation,” Stūrmane added. The 2026 forum is expected to welcome more than 170 participants, including representatives of 50 foreign companies and 120 Latvian businesses. Each participating company will have at least seven individual meetings with potential cooperation partners, including NATO and EU integrators, suppliers, investors, and exporters. The aim of the forum is to establish real partnerships and promote the integration of Latvian companies into international supply chains, while the EXPO zone will provide an opportunity to present technologies and solutions directly to international partners. The first such forum was held in Liepāja in 2025, attracted more than 140 company representatives including Diehl Defence (Germany), EuroSpike (Germany), GDELS (Switzerland), Cyber Eagle (USA), and Promoteq (Sweden). More information about the forum, its programme, and registration is available at the official event website.