Latvian businesses have opened over 20 online shops.  These shops sell primarily consumer goods.  The company Tilde has developed a noteworthy E-commerce solution called Fonts, a localized solution product that can be developed in global markets.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are reluctant to adopt an Internet policy for fear it will impede the growth of e-commerce in the region, according to "Information Society in the Baltics," a report published by the Electronic Freedom Foundation (EFF).    Presently, there are no restrictions on what Baltic users can access online, or on the use of encryption technology. The study states that this is because the governments are worried that any move to control the Internet might restrict the growth of the digital economy. However, in order to develop e-commerce, Baltic states will need to develop a sound Internet infrastructure, deregulate the telecommunications industry, and encourage communication between users and the government.  The study also shows that legislation needs to be put in place to protect against electronic piracy and copyright infringement. All three countries expect to adopt the Internet policy of the EU.

At this time, Latvia is not considered a major market participant or candidate for e-commerce although its importance will grow as IT and telecommunications infrastructure increases and as households purchase PCs and Internet connection in the future.  Presently, only 2.4% of households in Latvia have personal computers.

Latvia is a potential location for the development of e-commerce solutions for the West (16).
 

Telecommunications	Privatization and Deregulation	Internet Activity	Electronic Commerce
Hardware Manufacturing	Software Development	IT Usage	IT Labor Market
IT Geographics	IT Financing	Government Policies	Legal Environment
IT Strengths and Weaknesses	Impact on Business	Sources and Links	About the Authors

Back to Latvia Home

 
 

Back to American University's
Information Technology Landscape in Nations page.