Regions of Latvia are becoming more attractive for Latvian commercial banks because of the state and international regional support programs. Commercial banks credit policies to a certain extent determine whether bans are going to extend their business activities in the regions of Latvia. In general, commercial banks show interest in the economically developed regions, for example Ventspils, Riga and district of Riga. Successful regional policy in Latvia could promote commercial banks involvement in the regional development projects of Latvia.

This paper provides a revised and detailed nomenclature of the Anthyllis L. species in Latvia as well as describes their distribution in Latvia and elsewhere, based on the available taxonomic literature. An analysis of herbarium materials is also given. Species descriptions were elaborated, and they include the appropriate nomenclature, the most characteristic indentifying features, habitat and geographical distribution with maps. An identification key for the species found in Latvia was developed.

On the whole, the living conditions of the population of Latvia have improved in the period between 1995 and 2002. However, the income in some sections of the population (unemployed, pensioners, members of incomplete families, in particular) has increased to a lesser extent. In addition, qualitative comparing of data becomes difficult, or even impossible because of the changes in the scientific research methods of the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia. The research of household budgets in Latvia allows to gives separate characteristics of the living conditions of population in Riga and in the rural districts of Latvia. Despite the fact that all the rural areas have been surveyed, the number of respondents is not sufficient. Consequently, the household sample does not cover evenly the whole national territory. The stratification by living conditions in these areas can be characterized with the help of indirect indices - the average amount of income tax per one person. Since the rates of income tax in Latvia are proportional, not progressive, the amounts of income and income tax are roughly proportional, too.

Convention on Biological Diversity was ratified in Latvia in 1995. This means that Latvia is now responsible for genetic resources of its plants. This article presents an account of current situation.

The main aim of the research was to determine the level of distribution of toxocarosis in Latvia according to the age, sex of animal, the season and efficiency of Drontal Plus and Telmin KH as well. The research was carried out in Marupe from November 2002 till September 2003. The coprological examination applying Fileborn standard method was performed. The data about toxocarosis in Latvia (1975 to 2003) from Veterinary laboratories were also used. Toxocarosis is as topical invasion in Latvia. There is strong correlation between the level of invasion and the age of the animal.

Soybean in Latvia is grown only in some private gardens. However, the Department of Plant Production at Latvia University of Agriculture does researches about soybeans and accentuate its potential in food production and animal feed.

Occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi and their host range are studied. Observations of natural epizootics and collecting of diseased insects were done regularly in central and western part of Latvia. Attention was paid to registration of associations between and different insect species. Most common insect pathogenic fungi found in Latvia are Conidiobolus obscurus, C. thromboides, Entomophthora muscae, E. aphidis, Entomophthora sp., Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Verticilium lecanii. In 2002 fungus Beauveria brongniartii was identified first time in Latvia. European tent caterpillar Malacosoma neustria infected by B. brongniartii were collected.

The Latvian economy made great strides in recovering from the economic shock of the early transition and the adverse aftereffects of the 1998 Russian financial crisis. Nevertheless, Latvia faces serious challenges to its future growth and prosperity despite these impressive achievements and the outward appearance of macroeconomic stability and economic progress. A wide variety of recent studies suggest that the Latvian economy is not particularly competitive and, even more worrisome, they indicate that Latvia is not well positioned to gain ground in the race for global competitiveness, prosperity, and rising standards of living. Most of Latvia's growth to date has come from one-off gains generated by structural reforms, privatization, and reallocating resources, not inexhaustible reservoirs of growth. Latvian enterprises will be able to sustain economic growth and create high wage jobs only by becoming internationally competitive, innovating, accumulating new knowledge and technology, and finding a high value added niche in the European and global division of labor. This paper is designed to help Latvian leaders develop a clear diagnosis of the innovation and competitiveness challenges facing Latvia as it prepares to enter the EU and, more important, design and implement policies and programs to ensure that Latvia reaps the maximum possible benefits from EU structural funds. Section II analyzes the current structure of Latvia's production, imports, and exports. Section III uses data from a number of competitiveness reports to benchmark Latvia's current progress against a number of comparator countries and to pinpoint Latvia's strengths and weaknesses as an innovative economy. Section IV offers a detailed list of potential policies and programs that could improve the competitiveness of Latvian enterprises and the efficiency of the Latvian National Innovation System. The recommendations include specific policies and programs to improve (1) the production of knowledge in Latvia, (2) the commercialization of technology produced by Latvian scientists, small companies, and research institutes, and (3) local firms' capacity to absorb, adapt, and adopt existing knowledge produced outside Latvia for use inside Latvia.

Scientists in EU as well as Latvia deals with the problems related to the production of high quality healthy food. Scientific centre Sigra at the Latvia University of Agriculture is also doing researches that would make a scientific base for high quality food production.

In Latvia Liverwort Trichocolea tomentella (Ehrh.) Dum. grows on brook sides and springs as well as in swampy spruce and mixed forests. Localities of Trichocolea tomentella are rare, but dispersed in the whole area of Latvia. Vegetation of spring-laden spruce forests with Trichocolea tomentella were described in summer of 2003 at 9 localities in the central part of Latvia, as well as in Oandu forest reserve in northern Estonia, using the Braun-Blanquet method. Constant species in the analysed communities represent class Vaccinio-Piceetea, but the number of character species of Querco-Fagetea is also high. Trichocolea tomentella is protected species, the localities of which should be maintained as microreserves.