Rēzekne Special Economic Zone (Rēzekne SEZ) Authority is delighted to reflect on its accomplishments in 2024. These achievements not only highlight the region’s economic potential but also serve as a stimulus for future development. This year has been filled with milestones that have reinforced the significance of the Rēzekne SEZ in Rēzekne city, Rēzekne municipality, Latgale, and the economy of Latvia as a whole. Below, we present a summary of the most notable events and achievements.
Key Activities and Achievements
💵 Investments and New Projects
In 2024, several Rēzekne SEZ companies signed new agreements for planned investments over the next five years. Among them are MB Properties RSEZ Ltd., Baibiņa RSEZ Ltd., and Ķēdes RSEZ Ltd., which also acquired Rēzekne SEZ status this year. These projects include investments totaling €1.5 million, aimed at constructing production facilities, reconstructing manufacturing and administrative spaces for lease, and improving existing infrastructure.
This year also saw the completion of five investment projects, totaling €2.2 million. Highlights include:
- FISHBOAT RSEZ Ltd.: Established seven new jobs with a total investment of €140,822 between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024.
- LEAX Rēzekne RSEZ Ltd.: Invested over €1.4 million in acquiring thermal processing equipment, enabling nitriding treatments for parts up to 1.5 tons per batch.
- LATSTAB RSEZ Ltd.: Acquired a robotic welding complex with an investment of €377,000.
Other significant milestones include:
✔ The opening of a solar panel park by VEREMS RSEZ Ltd., featuring 3,600 bifacial solar panels with an investment of €1.6 million, including ALTUM support of €456,000. VEREMS also continued its €90 million development project to nearly double birch plywood production capacity and create new jobs.
✔ OptoElektronika LV RSEZ Ltd. inaugurated a new production facility at Maskavas Street 34B, Rēzekne, investing over €5.5 million in a modern factory and infrastructure that employs more than 300 people.
🤝 Support for Rēzekne SEZ Companies
The Rēzekne SEZ Business Support Fund provided additional growth opportunities for companies:
- Funded five projects in 2024, totaling €50,397.47, for activities such as:
- Creating employee relaxation areas with fruit trees and decorative shrubs.
- Painting building facades to enhance surroundings and attract tenants.
- Renewing asphalt paving for access roads and courtyards.
- Installing bike shelters and landscaping green areas with paved paths.
Several projects have already been completed, with all set to finish by April 30, 2025.
The year also featured training programs for company employees, including:
- A team-building event with over 45 participants.
- A webinar on AI productivity solutions.
- A session on current labor law topics.
🏗 Infrastructure Development
Rēzekne SEZ’s development depends heavily on municipal infrastructure projects. The Rēzekne city initiative to develop an industrial park is a significant step forward for local and international businesses. Currently, the SEZ offers several plots for long-term lease. Details can be found at Rēzekne SEZ website.
👥 Events
In 2024, Rēzekne SEZ actively fostered the business community by hosting events like the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF) project discussion, “Business Community Development in Latgale.” This brought together entrepreneurs, municipalities, and business support organizations, with input from U.S. expert Reinis Sīpols.
Rēzekne SEZ also welcomed visits from government representatives, including ministers, diplomats, and international organizations like the OECD and the World Bank. These visits provided entrepreneurs with opportunities for networking, collaboration, and insights into national developments.
👀 Looking Ahead to 2025
Rēzekne SEZ plans to continue its active role in attracting new businesses and fostering development in 2025. The focus will be on building international partnerships and implementing projects that ensure sustainable growth for Rēzekne and Latgale.
Thank you for your collaboration this year – together, we are shaping the future!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a successful New Year 2025!