Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs ("United List") will instruct Foreign Minister Baiba Braže ("New Unity") to find a solution to stop exports and imports with Russia. However, exceptions may be provided for certain sectors. Kulbergs stated this to journalists after a government meeting.
He emphasized that he still firmly insists that business ties with Russia should not be maintained. According to the Prime Minister, this is an unnecessary dependency that only worsens the situation.
Kulbergs stated that he would instruct Braže to work on this issue, but the decision would need to be coordinated with the European Union, as Latvia is part of the EU's single trading area.
At the same time, the Prime Minister acknowledged that, for example, the situation in the pharmaceutical industry cannot be assessed unambiguously. Companies in the sector cannot quickly reorient themselves, as the certification process in other countries takes a lot of time.
"I know they have a plan; they are reducing volumes, but it is impossible to switch off in one day," Kulbergs said.
He also noted that pharmaceutical enterprises possess chemical and biological competencies, as well as production capacities, which may be important for Latvia's defense in a critical situation.
"These capabilities need to be preserved," the Prime Minister emphasized.
Kulbergs plans to meet with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry to discuss these issues.
When asked whether this means that Latvia intends to completely stop trade with Russia but with certain exceptions, the Prime Minister answered affirmatively. However, he could not specify which other sectors, besides pharmaceuticals, might be included in the exceptions.
In the first quarter of this year, Latvia exported goods worth €244.15 million to Russia and imported goods worth €10.51 million from Russia.
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