CEO of the Rēzekne Special Economic Zone, Maija Meirāne:
“Dear entrepreneurs, cooperation partners, and friends of the Rēzekne SEZ,
the year 2025 has been a confirmation that Latgale is a place where entrepreneurship can grow and develop. Together, we are creating an environment that attracts investment, creates jobs, and strengthens the competitiveness of our region. The Rēzekne SEZ is not only an economic instrument, but also a community force – a place where ideas turn into actions and actions into results.”
Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Community
This year has been intensive and productive. We organized and participated in more than forty different activities – events, forums, conferences, discussions, and educational initiatives. Particularly significant was our cooperation with the Rēzekne branch of the Latgale Regional Division of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, jointly planning events and working in thematic working groups. This cooperation made it possible to combine efforts in building a competitive business environment.
Attraction of Funding
In 2025, we actively worked on attracting external funding. With the support of the British Council, we organized a discussion at the “Lampa” discussion festival, highlighting the impact of the geopolitical situation on regional development. In October, we implemented an experience exchange visit to Sweden, using funding from the Latvia–Sweden Fund.
Within the framework of an LIAA project call, we received more than EUR 31,000 in support for a project aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of Rēzekne SEZ companies by acquiring modern production assets and implementing marketing activities.
At the end of the year, we received a positive decision on a project from the State Environmental Investment Fund, which will enable the implementation of the initiative “Climate Dialogue: Understanding, Action, Adaptation” in 2026, attracting EUR 10,000 in funding.
Political Agenda
An important area of work this year was the political agenda. We actively engaged Members of Saeima to emphasize the need for additional support instruments for the development of the Rēzekne SEZ. At the conference “Where Is the Border Region Heading?”, we presented proposals that significantly affect regional competitiveness: extension of the SEZ operating term, creation of production modernization programs, retention of human capital in the region, and strengthening the competitiveness of exporters.
A significant achievement was the adoption of amendments to the Rēzekne SEZ Law in June, which stipulate that companies joining the SEZ are no longer required to change their company name. This change substantially facilitates companies’ entry into the zone and reduces administrative burden.
The proposal to extend the SEZ operating term has already received support from the Latgale Subcommittee of the Saeima, marking an important step forward.
International Cooperation
The Rēzekne SEZ actively participated in the European Commission and World Bank initiative CuRI, engaging in working groups and training sessions in the Baltic States. We continued cooperation with the WFZO European Regional Office, participating in a webinar on SEZ development trends.
We have initiated discussions and plan next year, together with WFZO experts, to review the Rēzekne SEZ strategy to ensure it aligns with global trends and regional needs.
Companies and Investments
In 2025, a new company joined the Rēzekne SEZ – SIA “Lorvila”, specializing in CMT (Cut, Make, Trim) services and employing 21 people. The company produces approximately 1,700 raincoats per month, 99% of which are exported to the USA, the United Kingdom, and European Union countries.
SIA “Lorvila” aims to expand its operations, promote sustainable growth, and create new jobs in Latgale. Overall, the company plans to invest EUR 240,000 in equipment and more than EUR 550,000 in projected wage payments.
In addition, in 2025 two companies completed their investment projects:
- SIA “Midis” implemented the project “MIDIS Development for Increasing the Volume of Information and Communication Technology Services.” The actual amount of long-term investment was EUR 20,131. Within the project, a new management system was introduced, improving efficiency and service quality.
- SIA “OptoElektronika LV” implemented the project “Sustainable Growth for the Development of the Production Site – OptoElektronika LV in Rēzekne.” The actual investment amount reached EUR 417,255. The project included the acquisition of modern equipment and machinery, implementation of new accounting and management systems, and the purchase of fixed assets that improve the working environment and product quality.
Business Support Fund
This year, in two rounds of calls, we made decisions to support a total of twelve business projects aimed at strengthening companies’ competitiveness and sustainability. The projects include employee training, acquisition of technological equipment, and process modernization, promoting efficiency, quality, and business development.
The total planned funding for these projects is nearly EUR 380,000, of which the Business Support Fund provides co-financing of more than EUR 92,000.
Looking Ahead to 2026
In 2026, we will continue working on attracting investment, strengthening company competitiveness, and promoting the region’s sustainable development. Our goal is to create an environment where companies can grow, develop, and compete on a global scale.
Thank you to all cooperation partners and entrepreneurs for your trust and our shared achievements! We invite you to continue our cooperation so that Rēzekne, Rēzekne Municipality, and Latgale become an even stronger center of entrepreneurship.