LATVIAN DUAL USE EXPORT FORUM 2026

What could become Latvia’s next major export success story?

At the LAMPA Conversation Festival, held on 10–11 July 2026 in Cēsis, the Latvian Exporters Association The Red Jackets brought together entrepreneurs and industry leaders to discuss the growing role of defence and dual-use technologies in Latvia’s future export development.

The discussion, titled “Latvia’s Next Export Wave: Defence and Dual-Use Technologies,” took place on 11 July at the Export Port and was moderated by Līva Stūrmane, Chairwoman of the Board of The Red Jackets.

The discussion brought together representatives of companies operating across different industries:

• Liene Gaspažiņa, co-owner and CEO of SILMOR;

• Reinis Purvēns, founder and CEO of RAW;

• Kristaps Puķe, co-founder and CEO of Natrix;

• Uldis Biķis, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Latvijas Finieris.

Although their companies represent different sectors, they share an increasingly important characteristic: the ability to apply existing knowledge, technologies and production capabilities to both civilian and defence-related needs.

Dual-use development does not always start with a new product

One of the central messages of the discussion was that entering the defence sector does not necessarily require companies to start from zero.

In many cases, businesses already possess technologies, engineering expertise, production capabilities or services that can be adapted for additional applications. A solution originally developed for industrial, infrastructure or civilian use may also address challenges related to security, resilience or defence.

This transition requires companies to look at their existing competencies from a new perspective and identify where they could provide value in international defence and dual-use supply chains.

It also requires a change in mindset. Businesses must be prepared to understand new customer needs, adapt their products, meet demanding requirements and build trusted partnerships over the long term.

Export is essential for the growth of dual-use companies

For Latvian companies working with dual-use and defence technologies, international markets are especially important.

The domestic market alone is often not large enough to support rapid scaling. Companies therefore need to think internationally from an early stage, build relationships with foreign partners and become part of broader European and NATO-related value chains.

This is also why the discussion is directly relevant to the participants of the Latvian Dual-Use Export Forum 2026. The forum continues the conversation by bringing together Latvian companies, international partners, public institutions and defence-sector stakeholders to explore concrete cooperation and export opportunities.

Making Latvian exports visible

The discussion formed part of the two-day “Export Port” programme at LAMPA. Together with partners including LMT and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, The Red Jackets created a space where visitors could not only discuss export challenges, but also see real products and services developed in Latvia and already reaching international markets.

The programme demonstrated the diversity of Latvian exports—from established industries and creative sectors to advanced technologies and emerging defence applications.

By sharing practical company experiences and bringing export issues into a broader public discussion, initiatives such as the “Export Port” help strengthen Latvia’s export culture and encourage more companies to consider their international potential.

The discussion at LAMPA highlighted a clear opportunity: Latvia’s next export wave may be created not only by entirely new technologies, but also by companies that successfully adapt what they already do well to meet new civilian, security and defence needs.

The full discussion is now available online in Latvian: Watch the full discussion.

For companies developing dual-use technologies, export is not merely an opportunity for future growth—it is often a necessity from the very beginning. International partnerships, access to larger markets and the ability to build trust across borders are essential for scaling solutions that serve both civilian and defence applications.

This is why the broader discussion about Latvia’s export capacity is particularly relevant to participants of the Latvian Dual-Use Export Forum 2026.

Ahead of the LAMPA Conversation Festival and the two-day “Export Port” programme, Līva Stūrmane, Chairwoman of the Board of The Red Jackets, joined representatives of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and LMT for a discussion about Latvian exports and their importance to the country’s economy.

The conversation focused on the competitiveness of Latvian companies in global markets, opportunities for export growth and the ambition required to succeed internationally. The participants also discussed how Latvia can increase the number of exporting companies and what kind of support businesses need when entering new markets.

Representing The Red Jackets, Līva Stūrmane emphasised the importance of encouraging more Latvian companies to think internationally and recognise their export potential. A strong product, technology or area of expertise is an important starting point, but successful international growth also requires persistence, market knowledge, reliable partners and the confidence to compete beyond the domestic market.

These factors are especially important in the dual-use and defence sectors. Companies must often navigate complex international value chains, identify suitable partners and demonstrate not only technological capability, but also reliability, adaptability and readiness for long-term cooperation.

The discussion also addressed the importance of cooperation between businesses, public institutions and industry organisations. Access to practical knowledge, international contacts and a strong national image can help Latvian companies build credibility and establish new partnerships abroad.

For a relatively small economy such as Latvia, exports are a key driver of long-term development. They allow companies to scale beyond the limits of the local market, support innovation, create higher-value jobs and strengthen economic resilience.

By bringing together companies, institutions, industry experts and international stakeholders, Latvia can create stronger conditions for businesses - including dual-use technology companies - to grow, diversify and compete successfully in global markets.

Watch the full discussion in Latvian: ej.uz/neg71