FEC

We invited H.E. Mr. Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia and his party for a welcoming breakfast meeting at Hotel Okura Tokyo on April 8.

Mr. Ken Matsuzawa, President of FEC made a following welcome speech, “I admire Prime Minister’s remarkable achievement of having recovered the economic growth rate of Latvia to 5.5% in 2011 from minus 18%　in 2009 after the Lehman shock. I expect a further enhancement of our economic cooperation through frank talks in today’s  meeting.” H.E. Mr. Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia remarked in return as follows; “ Japan and Latvia have cherished friendly relations over the 1 century. The visit to Latvia of the Emperor and Empress in 2007 was a special occurrence. The Great East Japan Earthquake was very sad and the Latvia people sent condolence from the bottom of heart. We pursued reform accompanied by big pains, such as a budget cut and a tax increase, for economic reconstruction. As a result, financial stability and confidence was regained within two years . We are planning introduction of Euro and the affiliation to OECD. It is very important that Japan can support our affiliation to OECD. Latvia is located in the boundary of Russia and Europe. Access to Russia, Europe and NIS countries is in an ideal position. We welcome the agreement about the Japan-EU FTA negotiation start. I am sure that Japan and Latvia are the friends who trust mutually.” During the breakfast gathering, attendants exchanged constructive comments and opinions.