From September 25 to 26, 2024, the international exhibition Food Fair Toidumess 2024 took place in Tallinn, attracting leading representatives of the food industry, entrepreneurs, and members of the diplomatic corps. As part of the event, the head of the international relations department of the HOTULANUS Business Club, Vitaliy Dubov, held a series of productive B2B meetings with international companies and food producers. These meetings became an important step towards expanding Latvian exports and strengthening economic ties..
Diplomatic Meetings and Discussion of Cooperation Prospects
Particular attention at the exhibition was given to the development of partnerships with diplomatic representatives of Ukraine and Tunisia. Vitaliy Dubov held significant meetings with the First Secretary for Economic Affairs of the Ukrainian Embassy in Estonia, Maksym Kuviklin, as well as with Tunisia’s Ambassador to Estonia, Mrs. Nabiha Hadjaji. These meetings discussed the potential for exporting Latvian products to the markets of Tunisia and Ukraine, which opens new horizons for Latvian food producers seeking to strengthen their presence in international markets.
There was also a meeting with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Estonia, Maksym Kononenko, reflecting the strong interest of both sides in expanding economic ties and strengthening cooperation between the countries.
The Prospects of the Port of Riga and Scandinavian Interest
One of the key events at the exhibition was a meeting with representatives of Scandinavian businesses, who showed great interest in the potential of the Port of Riga as an important logistics hub linking continental Europe with the rest of the world. The discussion of using the Port of Riga for international transportation and trade demonstrated that Latvia could become a strategic partner for Northern countries looking to develop their logistics routes.
The Effectiveness of Entrepreneur Association Meetings
Meetings between representatives of organizations that unite entrepreneurs not only create an important platform for exchanging ideas and resources but also serve as an effective tool due to their mobility. These meetings allow for quick planning of joint projects and the establishment of contacts at different levels—from regional businesspeople to international corporations and government bodies. This mobility facilitates rapid decision-making, strengthening ties, and implementing large-scale projects that, in the long run, can significantly impact the development of trade and industry.
Results and Next Steps
The Food Fair Toidumess exhibition became an important platform for developing B2B cooperation. Negotiations with representatives from Ukraine, Tunisia, and Scandinavia opened new opportunities for Latvian businesses and gave impetus to further strengthening international economic ties.
The next steps include continuing dialogue with interested parties and developing concrete solutions for product deliveries, which will enable Latvian companies to expand their export opportunities and strengthen their position in the global market.