Estonia on 15 October opened a new business hub at the country’s embassy in Washington, DC, aimed at boosting business diplomacy by presenting business opportunities in Estonia to US entrepreneurs and public, and vice versa – showing the possibilities of the US market to Estonian companies.

The business hub, the first of its kind in the United States, offers tools for Estonian companies of all sizes for establishing contacts with US partners and boosting relations, and facilities for business meetings, product presentations, displays and events. The hub offers information on Estonia’s business environment, e-state solutions, green technologies and cybersecurity and presents Estonia as an investment environment.

“The close relations between Estonia and the United States are largely based on shared values, such as democracy and respect for freedoms,” the Estonian ambassador to the US, Kristjan Prikk, said. 

“Both Estonia and the US also value innovation, digital development and economic freedom. I am convinced that the economic ties between Estonia and the US can be enhanced and the business hub is definitely a good opportunity for this.”

Several new business hubs to be opened

The ambassador noted that when it comes to entering foreign markets, a phone call or an email may not be enough. 

“Immediate contacts and seeing the products first hand increases the likelihood of cooperation,” Prikk pointed out. “As the business hub is located on the premises of the Estonian embassy, the support and advice of the embassy staff can also be ensured.”

The business hub in Washington was funded from the European Union recovery plan NextGenerationEU.

It is the third Estonian business hub in the world. Last year, business hubs were opened in Seoul, Korea; and Singapore. Next business hubs are set to open in London, the UK; Paris, France; Riga, Latvia; Berlin, Germany; and Copenhagen, Denmark.

People wishing to use the facilities and technical equipment in Washington can contact the embassy by email.

As the Bay State continues to honor the life of Ethel Kennedy, our nation’s leaders plan to pay their respects on Wednesday.

There will be a memorial service for the late Kennedy matriarch in Washington D.C., where President Joe Biden will delivery a eulogy. Biden has called Kennedy a dear friend following her passing, adding that “she had a spine of steel and heart of gold that inspired millions.”

Among those expected to attend and pay homage to the trailblazer are former president Barack Obama and former president Bill Clinton alongside her family and friends.

Since Kennedy’s death last Thursday, renewed light has been cast on her legacy and accomplishments. The wife of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, she raised 11 children after her husband’s 1968 assassination. She was a staunch advocate for environmental ethics, gun control and poverty reduction. Her commitment to social justice was evident as she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.

The service will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, according to the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization.

WASHINGTON (7News) — Preparations for Inauguration Day have begun in D.C. much earlier than usual. 7News is looking into why riot fencing and barriers are already up around the White House.

Law enforcement sources told Reporter John Gonzalez there are more security concerns this election year. Outside of the White House, security measures are already visible nearly 100 days before the inauguration.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) generally begins prep work and logistics well ahead of the inauguration but putting up riot fencing three weeks before the election is very telling. 10-foot fencing and concrete barriers now surround Lafayette Park.

The National Park Service (NPS) said the closures and fencing are in place to make it easier for building materials to be delivered and heavy machinery to be stored. Law enforcement sources told 7News that election day three weeks away is a big factor this year, and officials are concerned that the period between Election Day and Inauguration Day could be extraordinarily tense.

MPD is considering going to what’s called Alpha Bravo 12-hour days starting before the election and continuing through inauguration day. There is also talk in the department about canceling days off during the Election and Inauguration weeks, but nothing is confirmed yet.

READ MORE | Heightened security expected during vote count for 2024 presidential election: DHS

Another law enforcement source said police agencies in the city want security measures in place before the election results are in.

Security and terrorism specialist Jim Ortte said regardless of the winner, protests are highly likely, and terrorism fears are real this fall because of all the world events.

“One of the first times it’s been in October and you have to question why is that? And normally there’s protest on both sides, no matter who wins, there’s going to be some type of protest. But with the world events, to me that’s more concerning. You’ve had three attempts against the former president who is now running for president,” said Ortte. “I suspect that’s why they’re building the security early. There are benefits because then it gives the authorities more time to do investigative and observation techniques. Also, they can study their own design of the barrier and see if they have any lapses.” According to an NPS release, work for the presidential inauguration typically begins in November, but this year, preparation began early “to accommodate additional time needed for a safer and more secure environment for construction activities.”

Parade stands are also going up and Pennsylvania Avenue is being repaved.

7News has learned this fencing will be around until February.