RIGA, June 10 (LETA) - So far, support has been provided for economic development of 106 companies near Latvia's eastern border, according to a report on progress made in strengthening socio-economic development and security in regions along Latvia's eastern border that the government reviewed on Tuesday.

The report says that at least 106 companies near Latvia's eastern border have received support through a number of activities so far. Loans for raising productivity totaling EUR 933,345 have been provided to six companies, while private investment amounted to EUR 600,000.

Support for small and medium-sized enterprises has been provided to 65 enterprises. 17 businesses at Latvia's eastern border received grants, 33 companies received non-financial support, and support has also been provided for 15 startups.

The report says that development of Eastern Latvian Smart Technology and Research Center's industrial park in Daugavpils is continuing, total funding for the industrial park, which is to be completed by end-2025, is projected at EUR 22 million. The industrial park will create 82 new jobs.

Furthermore, five major investment projects have been approved in eastern border regions, where capital allowances applicable to the investment projects stand at EUR 39.45 million. Once completed, these projects are expected to generate exports of at least EUR 103.6 million over three years, create at least 313 new well-paid jobs, and ensure investment in research and development.

The report also says that eight housing renovation or new housing construction projects are currently implemented in border regions, worth EUR 3.2 million in total. A total of 155 apartments are to be renovated in Preili, Rezekne, Livani, Balvi, Augsdaugava and Aluksne regions, as well as in the cities of Daugavpils and Rezekne.

Five Recovery and Resilience Facility investment projects are also being implemented in Latvia's eastern regions, which deal with purchases of electric buses and development of the necessary charging infrastructure.

As for strengthening security, work continues on creating a multimedia studio for the Latvian Public Media in Daugavpils, and infrastructure development at Luznava military base is ongoing.

Work is also underway to establish seven new disaster management centers in the regions along Latvia's eastern borders: in Vilani, Aluksne, Preili, Balvi, Kraslava, Ludza, and Rezekne.