On 20 April 2023, the "Industry Day 2023 of the Ministry of the Interior" was held, which aimed to stimulate discussions on topical issues in the interior sector, as well as to provide entrepreneurs and training institutions with an opportunity to present to interior sector institutions and its allies technological developments in strengthening security functions.
In the opening of the event, Mr. Igors Rajevs, Parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of the Interior and Mr. Agris Dundurs, Chairman of the Federation of Security and Defense Industries of Latvia welcomed the large number of visitors, and stressed out the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the interior sector and the security industry, indicating the importance of taking such events, where free exchange of ideas are possible between industry and its potential contractors.
Mr. Dimitrijs Trofimovs, State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, in a discussion on the priorities of the interior sector, emphasized the importance of technological development and process digitization, both in the implementation of high-readiness projects in the field of security and in strengthening the overall interior sector and national security. Despite the challenges faced in the interior sector, significant support for capacity building of the interior sector institutions has now been achieved: there is a significant increase in the state budget for the interior sector in 2023.
The participants in the discussions included the management of the Ministry of the Interior and its subordinate institutions, the management of the Federation of Security and Defense Industries of Latvia, as well as representatives of businesses and training institutions. Discussion topics included the priorities of the interior sector, civil protection challenges and opportunities, technological developments to strengthen security functions, human capital developments in the security sector, as well as new training methods and training modules.
Exhibition stands included such areas as technological equipment and solutions, communication systems and data monitoring, cyber security, virtual reality, security and defense ICT systems, information analysis, geographic information systems, artificial intelligence analysis solutions, industrial labelling; infrastructure solutions such as water purification site monitoring, underground bunkers, protection solutions for critical infrastructure and services for its development and security, alternative energy supply solutions; human solutions: personal equipment, munitions, testing services for personal protective equipment, furniture, functional training systems, and solutions for the protection of civilians against radioactive contamination.
At the end of the event, the conclusions from the event were presented, with particular emphasis on the possibility of cooperation in ensuring the security of the national border, as well as on the need to ensure competitive products and services in the field of security. In general, the event contributed to a better understanding of cooperation opportunities for all stakeholders, helped to establish mutual dialogue. Despite the different security challenges in the various countries of the European Union, the common objective for all is to strengthen national internal security. It also highlighted the need for the development of the civil protection system, access to all types of resources and security-related public education.
The Ministry of the Interior and the Federation of Security and Defense Industries of Latvia thank the representatives of the research institutions, security industry merchants and interior sector industry for participating in this important event, as well stressed out the necessity to further develop cooperation in the organization of similar events.
“Industry Day 2023 of the Ministry of the Interior" was co-financed by the European Union.
