In an effort to help usher in jobs and new investments, the Latvian Ministry for Environment and Regional Development wants to create a special economic zone in the eastern part of the country. The Latgale Special Economic Zone (SEZ) could include public and private properties, however privately owned land would only account for 30 percent of the zone’s total area, the ministry stipulated in its draft bill. The Latgale province covers 14,549 sq km. The SEZ would be restricted to 727.45 sq km, according to local news reports. The zone could include 17 regions and Daugavpils, the second largest city in the country. Companies operating in the zone would be eligible for tax discounts. If passed, the Latgale SEZ could be established next year. It would exist until December 31, 2035.
