Ambassador Andris Razāns met with the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Amr Talaat on 3rd of October 2023. During discussion on potential of technology to empower people and drive progress in both countries, ICT was highlighted as an area of cooperation with the highest mutual benefits.
Ambassador emphasized that the ICT sector is particularly important in Latvia due to focus on fostering economy of innovation, human capital, presence of one of the best ICT infrastructures and highly competitive ICT business environment. He noted that Latvia is well known for its achievements in 5G technologies, digitalization of public services and well-developed fin-tech export industry. In addition to software, Latvian ICT industry also produces highly competitive hardware, such as routers and drones. The transformation of economy has given Latvia a unique perspective and reform experience.
It was mutually acknowledged that smart solutions have the potential to improve overall productivity. It is also essential to manage cybersecurity risks in an ever-growing digital society. Application of Latvian know-how in terms of capacity building, facilitation of start-ups and women’s empowerment by ICT were discussed. Ambassador also briefed the Minister upon achievements in quantum computing by Latvian scientists.
The Minister stressed that Egypt's location and human resources are excellent reasons for Latvian ICT companies to consider doing business in Egypt. He explained that MCIT has ambitious goals of doubling exports by allocating significant resources for training in ICT – the fastest growing economic segment in Egypt. Egypt strives to become an ICT hub and could be a suitable location for Latvian companies to establish offices here and make use of Egypt’s human resources.
Ambassador of Latvia reaffirmed the invitation for the Minister to visit Latvia.