During a meeting with experts from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on February 17, Latvian Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze highlighted that forests play a crucial role in the country’s bioeconomy. He expressed appreciation for the OECD experts' engagement with Latvia's forestry sector, as their insights could promote effective development strategies. Krauze noted the importance of the forestry sector's adaptation to climate change to enhance productivity and to ensure sustainable economic practices in rural areas.

Krauze underscored the need for the forestry industry to implement dynamic nature conservation principles to maintain both an appealing living environment for residents and an economically sustainable framework for businesses in the regions. This is particularly significant as Latvia works to balance ecological preservation with economic growth, especially in the context of global environmental challenges. He also pointed out that the sustainable management of forests is essential for the bioeconomic strategy of Latvia.

At the meeting, José Enrique Garcilaso, Head of Regional Policy at the OECD, informed participants about the mission's objectives and tasks. Furthermore, Aivars Lapiņš, an advisor at the Ministry of Agriculture, provided an overview of Latvia's involvement in OECD processes related to forestry, including the Forest and Rural Development Initiative for 2024-2026. This engagement marks an important step in aligning Latvia's forestry policies with international standards and best practices.