In an interview with LETA, Jānis Priede, the head of the Fiscal Discipline Council (FDP) and dean of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Latvia, addressed the persistent issue of low added value in Latvia's export sectors. He emphasized that in many areas, the focus on volume overshadows the importance of quality, which poses significant challenges for advancing higher-value-added principles in the country’s economy.

Priede pointed out that Latvia, being a small and open economy, has considerable potential despite its size. He encouraged a strategic approach towards future technologies, stressing that the nation should actively engage in processes that enhance its economic contributions. He warned against self-deprecation, urging Latvians to recognize their capabilities and the opportunities that lie ahead in boosting the quality of exports.

Regarding core industries like food and wood processing, Priede reassured that these sectors will remain vital as they fulfill basic human needs. He argued that food production and wood will always find applications, and thus, these industries should not be overlooked. However, the challenge remains to integrate higher-value-added processes to uplift the overall economic structure of the country.