Liepāja Named Among Latvia’s Most Business-Friendly Cities

In the “Most Business-Friendly Municipality 2025” category, Tukums Municipality received the top award, followed by Madona Municipality in second place and Rēzekne Municipality in third.

The LTRK Regional Council awarded its “People’s Choice” distinction to ValmieraMunicipality, Kuldīga Municipality, Rēzekne Municipality, Jelgava Municipality and ĀdažiMunicipality. Meanwhile, the LTRK Services Council presented its “People’s Choice” award to Alūksne Municipality and Tukums Municipality.

Jānis Endziņš, Head of the LTRK, emphasised the important role local governments play in Latvia’s economic development. “I sincerely hope the time will soon come when municipalities are recognised not only with awards and flowers, but also through national policy decisions that support local economic development. Redirecting part of corporate income tax and personal income tax to municipalities, based on the primary place of employment, would provide a meaningful incentive for this work,” he said.

According to the LTRK, municipalities were assessed using several criteria with equal weighting in the overall evaluation. The assessment considered the results of municipal self-evaluation questionnaires, responsiveness to entrepreneurs interested in establishing businesses in a particular area, and the quality of information provided to potential investors and companies.

The evaluation also included municipal support for entrepreneurship education, the results of a business survey conducted by the research centre SKDS, and the number of companies registered within each municipality.

As previously reported by LETA, the awards for Latvia’s most business-friendly municipalities were presented on Wednesday. This year, municipalities were evaluated using a more detailed and precise methodology, with greater emphasis placed on data analysis and measurable achievements. The event also included a discussion on the award evaluation process and opportunities for further improving the methodology.

LETA also reported that Jānis Endziņš has decided to step down from his position to lead the Action Group for Reducing Bureaucracy. He will continue serving in his current role at the LTRK until 28 November, after which Katrīna Zariņa will assume the position on 1 December. After taking on leadership of the Action Group for Reducing Bureaucracy, Endziņš is expected to continue working with the LTRK, although his future role within the organisation has not yet been specified.

The Action Group for Reducing Bureaucracy was established on 27 March 2025 and brings together representatives from public administration, the business sector and non-governmental organisations. Until now, it has been led by Raivis Kronbergs.

The Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry currently represents nearly 6,000 members, including micro, small, medium-sized and large companies from across Latvia, as well as associations, city business clubs and other business organisations.

Author: LETA Agency