Abstract
Abstract: In the development of Latvia’s economy, the fish processing sector has played an important role, historically and traditionally, because of its ability to produce competitive products for the world market. The aim of this research is to evaluate the competitiveness of the fish processing sector in Latvia. Methodology involving the Model of Factors Influencing Competitiveness of the Fisheries Sector Cluster and the Index of Fish Processing Sector Competitiveness are developed as part of the research. The study also identifies the spheres influencing competitiveness, as well as the possibilities of further development. The methodology created in the study can be used to evaluate competitiveness of the fish processing sector in any country. It may also assist institutions involved in developing Fisheries’ policy to work more successfully and improve the common policy in the Fisheries sector.
Highlights
Latvia has a border length of 1836 km and a coastline of 494 km, which is 0.7% of the total EU coastline of 66 000 km (European Commission, 2014)
The results indicated that the competitiveness of the Latvian fish processing sector from 2005–2014 was medium-high (0.46), apart from 2010, which was after the socio-economic crisis in Latvia when the competitiveness of Latvian fish processing sector was the lowest (−0.15)
The companies that operated in the fish processing sector in Latvia and the representatives of the institutions involved in the fishing sector and in developing and implementing fisheries policy believe that the growth of the sector competitiveness can be promoted by applying certain interrelated and subordinated measures (Figure 3)
Summary
Latvia has a border length of 1836 km and a coastline of 494 km, which is 0.7% of the total EU coastline of 66 000 km (European Commission, 2014). The territorial waters of the Baltic Sea, up to 12 nautical miles from the coast, as well as the economic area, and the continental shelf of 28 000 km fall under state jurisdiction (Agriculture Ministry, 2014). The internal waters comprise 2 543 km or about 4.1 % of the country’s land mass (Agriculture Ministry, 2013). These waters include 12 500 rivers with a total length of 37 400 km. Catch quotas and fish numbers in the Baltic Sea have diminished, and this has adversely affected the operation of fishery and fish processing companies in Latvia, but at the same time, increased the role of the aquaculture sector in the acquisition of alternative fish resources (Finance Ministry, 2003). The future of the fish processing sector in Latvia depends on the development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
