Discussion focused on the need for national housing policy, which would help address market failures, i.e. problems with availability of housing in places where people would like to live and work, such as Smiltene. Participants also complimented Smiltene region for its efforts in improving access to education. Smiltene can now offer secondary education opportunities to around 1000 young people and provide vocational education to around 800 youngsters and adults keen to continue their further education.
During the meeting with Smiltene region entrepreneurs, who received Smiltene region business award from local government today, President Levits asked entrepreneurs what they think about tax changes in the 2021 budget plan proposed by the government, retaining export markets and government support for start-ups.
‘In the last 10-15 years Smiltene has become a national and Vidzeme region success story, a strong development centre. Smiltene also radiates this growth energy on surrounding areas. It is largely due to success of Smiltene that it will become the centre of the amalgamated region after the reform. Their meaningful long-term efforts and policies have paved the way to the success. Smiltene has very low unemployment, there is even shortage of labour. Education opportunities are good, Smiltene has strong vocational and secondary schools. Smiltene completed its education reform without any hesitation. However, for Smiltene to continue to be successful, it will need to solve the housing problem. People want to live here because of nice and very Latvian environment, but there is very little to choose from in terms of housing. We need laws to solve that, and central and local government should work together to fix that,’ said President after the meeting.
President Levits also visited the construction site of the new Smiltene Secondary School building and together with administration and student council planted three linden trees in honour of the 100th anniversary of the school. President stressed: ‘It is a great honour to share this moment with you. Smiltene is a place where you can feel the power flowing. People of Smiltene are no slow-going, they get right to the business. That is why the success of the past decade will enable you to be successful in the next decade and many years to come. You are an inspiration for the rest of Latvia!’
In conclusion of his regional visit, President Levits went to innovative manufacturer of wood panel houses and wooden, aluminium windows, ‘Pavasars’, a company that has achieved excellent export results and high added value for their product.
