RIGA, May 28 (LETA) - Economics Minister Viktors Valainis (Greens/Farmers) is pleased with the performance of the Economics Ministry's representation in Jelgava that opened one month ago, Valainis told LETA.

The first month was a great success, said Valainis, explaining that major regional companies had approached the ministry with various problems and proposals.

There are strong companies in the regions that are used to solving problems on their own, although the Economics Ministry can help them solve different problems, said Valainis.

The establishment of the Economics Ministry's representative office in the Jelgava has helped the ministry to get closer to the business community.

"Every time I am in Jelgava, I have several meetings with businessmen who come to our office with very good proposals on how to improve the economic environment," said the minister.

Valainis also urges other representatives of the ministry to organize meetings with businessmen at the Jelgava representative office when possible.

The purpose of establishing the Economics Ministry's representation in Jelgava was to ensure that issues on the government's agenda could be addressed from a regional perspective and to develop closer links with regional businesses.

Permanent presence in the regions is very important because "it is completely different from just going on a regional visit, showing up, then leaving, and that is it," said Valainis.

As reported, the Economics Ministry's representation in Jelgava opened on April 25. In the future, the Economics Ministry could open similar representations in other regions of Latvia.

The Economics Ministry's representation in Jelgava is located at 7 Peldu Street, in a building that also houses the Investment and Development Agency's Jelgava Business Incubator.

The aim of the establishment of the representative office is to promote regional growth by fostering business development and attracting investment, the ministry previously explained.