P/E/397. Dissertation. Development of Latvian trade patterns

The dissertation aims to investigate Latvia’s foreign trade patterns applying the gravity model to the analysis of Latvian – EU trade flows. The review of literature touches upon the history of Latvia’s trade development, the application of the gravity equation in social sciences including international trade flows’ research, etc. The variables used in estimating gravity model export and import equations are introduced and discussed; changes in Latvia’s foreign trade patterns after the country’s accession to EU are analyzed. Conclusions are made on the basis of the analysis about the economic opportunities of Latvia.