Thirty years ago, the Port of Liepāja in Latvia was in ruins, a testament to its Soviet naval base history. The city, once closed off during the Cold War, has now flourished with new factories, increased shipping volumes, and cultural accolades like being chosen as the European capital of culture for 2027. Liepāja is now attracting foreign companies like Norplast Piemare, which sees the city's special economic zone status and skilled workforce as conducive to growth. The city's next chapter focuses on becoming a hub for green industries, with projects like offshore wind support base construction and plans for green hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels. Meanwhile, Latvia as a whole faces economic challenges, with recent recession and slow growth, prompting a shift towards knowledge-intensive sectors to boost competitiveness internationally. Despite worries about Russian threats, Latvia continues to look towards the West, exemplified by the Rail Baltica high-speed railway project that aims to enhance trade and travel connections with the EU. While doubts linger over the project's financing, the Latvian government remains committed to its development, showcasing the country's determination to diversify its economy and strengthen ties with Western partners.