On Thursday, October 30, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene met with representatives of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (ALCCIC), as well as representatives of entrepreneurs from both countries, focusing on the conclusions of the study “Baltic Tiger” and the idea of a joint global brand for the Baltic States.

During the meeting, the main conclusions of the study “Baltic Tiger” conducted by the Latvian Institute for Strategic and Economic Studies “LaSer” were presented. The author of the study, Professor Daunis Auers, pointed out that in order for the Baltic countries to maintain their growth rate and security stability, deeper integration is needed in four areas: defense, diplomacy, functional cooperation, and joint branding. The study shows that the potential of the Baltic region increases when the countries act as a single player rather than three separate economies. Closer integration and a shared economic vision can become the main drivers of growth in the region. The author also emphasized the importance of the Nordic countries’ experience—close cooperation and joint solutions have helped to strengthen economic and political stability.

“The economies of Latvia and Lithuania are closely linked, and we have ample opportunities to deepen cooperation, especially in the defense industry and the digital sector. With a more favorable environment for entrepreneurs, closer economic cooperation, and fewer bureaucratic obstacles, we can increase the international competitiveness of the Baltic region,” said Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa.

During the meeting, the idea was raised that it would be beneficial for the Baltic states to move towards a more recognizable and unified identity – “The Baltics” – which would strengthen the region’s image in international markets. Possible examples mentioned include closer cooperation in promoting exports, diplomatic representation and investment attraction networks, as well as the possibility of introducing a unified business register and similar tax regulations across the Baltic region.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė emphasized that both countries share a common goal – to ensure security, prosperity and a competitive environment for entrepreneurs. In her opinion, “The Baltics” as a common brand is a positive idea that is worth developing, and closer, coordinated action would help to realize this idea.

LCCI President Aigars Rostovskis is convinced that cooperation between entrepreneurs in the Baltic States can become a significant factor in the growth of the region as a whole, while the chambers of commerce and industry of both countries plan to continue working on specific proposals to strengthen cooperation.

*** Research: Baltijas sadarbība – LaSER Latvijas Stratēģijas un Ekonomikas Risinājumu Institūts