/ The Scandinavian Direction in Transcontinental Connectivity: The Role of Latvia

The Latvian Institute of International Affairs invites you to to the public discussion: “The Scandinavian Direction in Transcontinental Connectivity: The Role of Latvia” organized by the New Silk Road Programme at the LIIA. The seminar will take place in Riga on 12.00-13.30, June 20, 2019. 

Connectivity is essentially about networks. The networks come in the forms of transport links, digital networks, energy networks, and flows, as well as the human dimension. To work efficiently, connectivity requires internationally agreed practices, rules, conventions and technical standards, supported by states, international organizations, and institutions. For us, in the European Union, it is clear that Asia matters – being a major trade partner of the EU, Asia is also home to the world’s largest population and fastest-growing economies.  

The event is free of charge, register: ej.uz/JZC_June20
*The event will take place in English

No doubt, the opportunities that the Baltic states can offer in tourism, logistics, finance, education, and culture are valuable and are already being exercised. However, the analysis of the comparative advantages of Latvia within the Chinese initiatives of connecting Asia and Europe has to be taken further by looking Northward. We have to think about the role of the Baltics, particularly Latvia, in the context of transcontinental connectivity with Scandinavia. 

The ongoing plans for high-speed railroads to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland are just some of the developments that open new ground for the deliberation on the Baltic element to Asian-Scandinavian connectivity. What is the role of Latvia in the Scandinavian direction in transcontinental connectivity? What are the benefits of our companies? Is Latvia able to offer a unified sector strategy and what it would mean for Scandinavia? Those and many other questions are to be discussed in the public seminar on June 19, 2019.

Meet the speakers: