Author: SIA “Aspired”
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The new project “Nextgen Microfactories” is part of the European program – the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) initiative – aimed at supporting the research, testing, and implementation of new technologies.
 
The project’s vision is to develop smart, highly automated small-scale factories. These will use cloud computing and AI-driven robots to operate more efficiently and in a more environmentally friendly way. Another objective is to reduce European companies’ dependence on cloud service providers outside Europe.
 
We will create solutions for robots powered by local cloud-edge computing. We will advance industrial automation. We will design systems for decentralized (geographically distributed) manufacturing. We will develop smart industrial building management systems.
 
The Nextgen Microfactories project is being implemented by technology companies in collaboration with SIA Aspired and its partners: SIA TestDevLab, Ventspils High Technology Park (VATP), SIA Dati Group, SIA TechGym, SIA Asya, and SIA Natrix. The project also involves contractors from three EU member states carrying out their own IPCEI-CIS projects: Siemens AG (Germany), Engineering Ingegneria Informatica S.p.A. (Italy), and SIA Tilde (Latvia). The implementation agreement was signed on June 30 of this year, and activities will continue until the end of 2027. The total cost is EUR 7.4 million, of which EUR 5.57 million is covered by the European Recovery and Resilience Facility.
 
The project is carried out within the framework of the IPCEI initiative, which aims to support research, experimental development, and pilot projects for new software and technologies in Europe. Nextgen Microfactories focuses on the development of smart, highly automated microfactories integrating cloud computing technologies and AI-driven robotics. The goal is to improve production efficiency and sustainability while reducing reliance on non-European cloud service providers.
 
By developing and testing cloud-edge solutions for mobile robotics, industrial automation, and decentralized manufacturing, the project supports the transition to Industry 5.0. These innovations will help optimize production processes, reduce operating costs, and foster the growth of energy-efficient manufacturing ecosystems. The project will be implemented across four key areas: cloud-edge solutions for mobile robots, cloud-edge for industrial production, decentralized manufacturing and design systems, and cloud-edge for smart industrial buildings.

Author: LLPA
 
On July 16, 2025, an off-site meeting of the Latvian Association of Large Cities (LLPA) was held in Ventspils, during which the presidency of the association was transferred from the state city of Riga to the state city of Ventspils. The new LLPA president is Jānis Vītoliņš, Chairman of the Ventspils City Council.
 
The meeting was also attended by the Minister for Smart Administration and Regional Development, Raimonds Čudars, who discussed with municipal leaders the direction of regional policy beyond 2028, upcoming funding for the next EU multiannual budget period (2028–2034), the ministry’s involvement in advocating for state city issues at the national level in areas such as education, entrepreneurship, digitalisation and security, as well as how the increase in the national defence budget could impact municipal finances.
 
​Jānis Vītoliņš, LLPA President, stated:
“Today, large cities are not only the driving force of regional development, but also the foundation of the country’s overall growth. We are taking over the presidency at a time when Latvia is preparing for the next EU funding period and reassessing the direction of regional development policy. Our task is to ensure that the needs of cities are included in these plans from the ground up – starting with education, infrastructure and quality of life, to mobility, digitalisation and the business environment. Each large city ensures jobs, services, innovation and education within its region – we must work to make sure these functions are appropriately recognised in both national policy and financial allocation. During Ventspils’ presidency, we will focus on practical cooperation, data-driven decision-making, and a strong dialogue with the government.”
 
The Latvian Association of Large Cities was founded on August 23, 2001, to promote closer cooperation in economic, administrative, and cultural matters among Latvia’s state city municipalities. LLPA members include the municipalities of Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jēkabpils Municipality, Jūrmala, Liepāja, Ogre Municipality, Rēzekne, Riga, Ventspils, and Valmiera Municipality.

​During the first half of 2025, terminals operating at the Freeport of Ventspils handled a total of 4.48 million tons of cargo, which is 14.5% more than in the corresponding period of 2024. Cargo volumes have increased this year in all three major segments: oil products, coal, and Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) cargo.

Dear Entrepreneur!
The municipal institution “Ventspils Port” of the city of Ventspils invites you to participate in a survey regarding the development of infrastructure necessary for manufacturing in Ventspils. Therefore, if you are planning to start manufacturing operations in Ventspils or expand an existing facility, we kindly invite you to complete the survey https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pKjuZKWk7o0oH4PVy2zowK5BjSVSziX8AyWelbkZD3M/edit 
The survey is anonymous, and the information provided will be used in an aggregated format.
The aim of the survey is to identify the types and scope of infrastructure needed for business development, in order to properly prepare for the co-financing opportunities under the EU Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021–2027.
For further information, please contact us: Phone +371 636 24323 e-mail: [email protected]

Author: The municipal institution "Ventspils Komunālā pārvalde"

In order to enable the transportation of oversized cargo, the Ventspils City Council has decided to support the reconstruction of public infrastructure in Ventspils, which is necessary for transporting such large cargo.
The municipal institution "Ventspils Komunālā pārvalde" has received a request from the Lithuanian company UAB "Fulmenn" regarding the need to carry out oversized cargo transport. In the request, the company indicates that the cargo is 99.5 meters long. These shipments will be transported in 2025 using 54 trucks, and in the coming years– with 108 trucks annually.
To ensure the transportation of oversized cargo approximately 100 meters long through the city, significant reconstruction works are required in several locations: tree relocation, sidewalk reconstruction, and the reconstruction of lighting and traffic light systems. All of the mentioned construction works will be fully financed by the company carrying out the cargo transport.
By supporting this initiative, the Ventspils City Municipality and the Ventspils Freeport Authority will establish themselves as the only city and port in Latvia capable of providing oversized cargo transport of such scale and specificity.

Source: www.liaa.gov.lv

On June 12, with the international conference “Speed of Latvia: Blockchain Gateway to the EU Market” held in Barcelona, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) officially opened its representation office in Spain.
This marks the 23rd LIAA representation office worldwide, highlighting another important step in strengthening Latvia’s foreign economic relations.
The LIAA office in Barcelona was opened in response to the growing interest of Latvian entrepreneurs in the Spanish-speaking markets. The establishment of the office was also supported by leading Latvian business organizations.
LIAA’s representation in Spain becomes a vital part of its global network, which spans Europe, the USA, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.
In 2024, the total trade turnover between Latvia and Spain reached €821.8 million, making Spain Latvia’s 17th most significant trading partner.
By the end of 2024, Spanish investments in Latvia amounted to €14 million, and more than 100 companies with Spanish capital are currently operating in Latvia, particularly in the telecommunications, ICT, and real estate sectors.

​Bucher Municipal Latvia has completed a significant expansion project aimed at improving internal logistics and creating the necessary capacity for introducing new products and enhancing production efficiency.
The new extension has increased the factory space by more than 5,000 m², combining production facilities and enclosed outdoor warehouses:
- The total factory area now exceeds 21,000 m².
-  Existing office spaces have been renovated and new ones created.
- Nearly 8,000 m² of asphalted area has been constructed, including an access road and parking spaces.
The main benefits include additional space for assembly and future projects, more efficient logistics, increased warehouse capacity, and improved spare parts management.

​Author: Ventspils Municipality's Economics and Procurement Department
 
On Thursday, April 24, in the Chapter Hall of the Livonian Order Castle, a ceremonial event was held to honor the largest taxpayers of the city of Ventspils, who made a significant contribution to the city’s budget and development in 2024.
 
The event was attended by the Chairman of the Ventspils City Council, Jānis Vītoliņš, who, in his speech, thanked all entrepreneurs for their responsible business practices and their valuable contribution to the city's welfare.
 
In total, 21 companies were awarded in various categories. Each winner received a Certificate of Recognition from the municipality, while first-place recipients were presented with specially made awards for the occasion.
 
Altogether, in 2024, these companies paid more than EUR 42.41 million to the Ventspils municipal budget in the form of personal income tax and real estate tax.

Author: Freeport of Ventspils Authority

To make shipping more environmentally friendly, the European Union is developing projects that promote the use of alternative fuels. One such initiative is the H2Derivatives@BSP project, a collaboration between seven European countries, which is set to play a significant role in this transition. Its goal is to develop hydrogen-based alternative fuel infrastructure in Baltic Sea ports. The Freeport of Ventspils Authority is one of the leading partners in the project and will be responsible for developing the technical and business model for the production and use of renewable energy and alternative fuels in ports.

​Author: Ventspils Municipality's Economics and Procurement Department

The British newspaper Financial Times publication FDI Intelligence has released the latest European Cities and Regions of the Future 2025 report, in which Ventspils has once again secured second place in the foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction strategy ranking for European cities with a population of up to 100,000. This recognition confirms that the city is successfully implementing a targeted development strategy and continues to strengthen its position as a significant investment hub in the region.