Latvian culture and business event comes to Claremorris

LARGE crowds of Latvian nationals and business people are expected to descend on Claremorris next month for a business and networking event co-hosted by the LatWest Association.
Founded earlier this year, the association is a support group for immigrants in the west of Ireland that hopes to ‘break down barriers’.
LatWest will co-host the Latvian Festival of Culture Education and Business from September 9 to 10. Representatives of Latvian Municipal Authorities Karsava and Livani will be meeting local representatives and officials in the town to build further trade and cultural links.
There will also be representatives from three third level colleges to explore the range of academia in Ireland.
The group has hosted and organised many social activities including concerts, art exhibitions films and card games as well as participation in St Patrick’s Day celebrations locally.
It has provided translation and educational support and supplied information regarding issues in employment and entitlements for families as well as social welfare and housing.
LatWest has initiated and developed connections between Ireland and Latvia in enterprise, business, trade and tourism by linking available organisations and authorities such as the Latvian Foreign Ministry, The Latvian Embassy, The Irish Latvian Chamber of Commerce with their Irish equivalents such as the Mayo County Council, Local Enterprise Office, Mayo and Galway Chambers of Commerce and Mayo South West Development Board.
Food producers like Rujiens Piensaimneiks, the Latvian version of Kerrygold which manufacture and market a range of dairy products including organic foods.
“We hope it will develop trade links so let’s say a Latvian food producer could have and Irish producer making its products here, and vice versa,” explained Noel Lyons of Latwest Association.
The festival will also give businesses and organisations the chance to link up with the diaspora here.
Special guests for the occasion include Dr Gints Apals Latvian Ambassador to Ireland. The arts and film industry will be represented by internationally acclaimed actresses Olga Drege and Lidija Pupure and renowned musical group Baltie Laci or the White Bears who will perform in a concert and dance in Claremorris Town Hall on Saturday, September 10.