(26.11.2024.)
“For small entrepreneurs, especially when they start operations, sending their products to a buyer in a foreign country, including within the European Union, often cost the same as the product itself, and it is very expensive, “said the Minister of the National Economy. Agrarian, Environmental and Regional Affairs of the Saeima on Tuesday, November 26. Ervins Labanovskis, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Business Development. At the meeting, the subcommittee decided to support small producers in conquering export markets, showing opportunities to reduce the costs of small packages reduce
The cost of small packages can be a big obstacle for the small entrepreneur to increase the level of production and limit the opportunities for competition. In addition, the costs of logistics and transportation make up a significant part of the cost of the product, the chairman of the subcommittee noted.
In response to members’ questions, the representative of VAS “Latvijas Pasts” said that discounts can be applied to postal items, depending on the number of items. For example, if a company sends 100 or more shipments per month, a 13 percent discount could be applied, and for a larger number, up to 33 percent of the fixed price. The weight of the load also affects the fee.
From February 1 next year, small entrepreneurs may have the opportunity to cooperate to get a cost discount for shipments based on volume, VAS “Latvijas Pasts” said.
The sub-committee invited the Ministry of Economy, the Latvian Post, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as other cooperation partners to agree on a time-targeted support mechanism to reduce small package logistics costs for shippers. small enterprises. E. Labanovskis noted that the support would be necessary for the entrepreneur to influence the market, increase the volume of the product and thus reduce logistics costs.
Saeima News Service
2024-11-26 13:35:00
#Business #development #subcommittee #competitiveness #small #entrepreneurs #strengthened
**How can Latvian SMEs effectively leverage existing discount programs offered by postal services like Latvijas Pasts while advocating for structural changes that address the root causes of high shipping costs?**
## Streamlining Exports: A Roundtable Discussion on Reducing Small Package Costs for Latvian SMEs
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re diving into a crucial issue impacting Latvian small and medium enterprises (SMEs): the high cost of sending small packages, particularly for international shipments. To shed light on this topic and explore potential solutions, we’re joined by two esteemed guests: [**Guest 1 Name and Title,**] and [**Guest 2 Name and Title.**]
**Section 1: The Challenge – Rising Costs and Market Competition**
* **Interviewer:** Ervins Labanovskis, chairperson of the Saeima Subcommittee on Business Development, highlights the significant expense small entrepreneurs face when sending packages, particularly abroad. Could you both elaborate on the impact of these high costs on Latvian SMEs, particularly in terms of market competitiveness and growth potential?
* **Guest 1:** [Response focusing on the challenges faced by SMEs, possibly sharing concrete examples or data.]
* **Guest 2:** [Response offering a different perspective, maybe addressing specific industry challenges or highlighting success stories of SMEs overcoming these costs.]
**Section 2: Existing Solutions and Potential Avenues**
* **Interviewer:** The Latvian Post (Latvijas Pasts) presented possibilities for discounts based on volume and frequency of shipments. However, can these solutions truly address the root of the problem? What other innovative approaches are being explored to make international shipping more affordable for Latvian SMEs?
* **Guest 1:** [Response discussing the effectiveness of current discount systems, possibly offering suggestions for improvement or highlighting limitations.]
* **Guest 2:** [Response presenting alternative solutions, such as collaborative shipping models, government subsidies, or digital platform innovations.]
**Section 3: Collaborative Action and Future Outlook**
* **Interviewer:** The subcommittee called for a time-targeted support mechanism involving various stakeholders. What are the key elements of such a mechanism, and what role can each stakeholder play in achieving sustainable solutions?
* **Guest 1:** [Response outlining the importance of collaboration, specifying the contributions of different stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Economy, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and private courier services.]
* **Guest 2:** [Response emphasizing the need for long-term strategic planning, discussing the potential for public-private partnerships, investment in infrastructure, and fostering a culture of innovation within the SME sector.]
**Section 4: Closing Remarks and Call to Action:**
* **Interviewer:** What is your final message for Latvian SME owners facing the challenge of high shipping costs? What steps can individuals and organizations take to contribute to a more supportive environment for international trade?
* **Guest 1:** [Concluding statement emphasizing hope and resilience, offering practical advice to SME owners and urging them to explore available resources.]
* **Guest 2:** [Concluding statement focused on future possibilities, highlighting the importance of collective action, continuous improvement, and embracing technological advancements.]
**Thank you to both our guests for sharing their valuable insights. We hope this discussion contributes to the ongoing conversation and inspires actionable solutions for Latvian SMEs striving to thrive in the global marketplace.**
