Working Life Barometer in the Baltic Countries 2002 (pdf) - mol.fi

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conditions for investment and thus development, as they generally have
better infrastructures, qualified labour, access to manifold services, etc.
Therefore, since 1996 the government has devoted specific attention to
regional economic development: conceptual documents describing regional
economic development policy, as well as the specification of regions that need
special support, were elaborated.
In economic policy, the important objectives are economic growth, stability
and justice. In terms of regional policy these objectives are achieved by:
1. creating incentives for development in the more backward regions of a
nation. The state creates opportunities for mobilising resources in these
regions, which should promote economic growth for the benefit of the
entire nation. The general aim is the promotion of the development of
specific regions according to their potential abilities and resources,
devoting particular attention to business development in backward
territories to create additional jobs and, by extension, sources for
improved welfare.
2. providing similar (although not equal) living conditions for the
population, irrespective of the region in which they reside; the task of
the state is to reduce the negative effects of those factors that diminish
the opportunities and attractiveness of a certain area, for which the
people who live and work in that region are not responsible. Here the
central aim is the equalisation and improvement of living conditions for
residents throughout the country.
Regional policy is implemented under the “Regional Policy development
guidelines”, ratified by the Cabinet of Ministers in 1995. Also, a new law on
regional development was passed in 1997. Furthermore, identification criteria
for support areas have been developed. The disadvantaged regions identified
shall get financial assistance as of this year. In the Regional Development Act
it is clearly formulated that regional development policy shall be an integral
part of the national development policy. In addition, guidelines on national
land use should be established for the whole country.
Latvia’s regional development initiatives are implemented through sectoral
ministries. While the Ministry of Environment and Regional Development
deals primarily with spatial planning, the Ministry of Finance handles regional