The role of investment and trade in fostering economic security

In the latest Baltic Rim Economies publication, AmCham's Executive Director looks at how the economic partnership with the U.S. can strengthen Latvia's economic security. "More should be done in prioritizing the U.S. as a full-range partner, including from the economic perspective. The willingness to proactively promote U.S. investments is a small but important step on the road to unlocking immense opportunities that hold promise not only for accelerated economic growth but, even more importantly, could considerably contribute to our common security." Read the full article here.

On December 19, the AmCham Healthcare work group held its last meeting of the year. The work group looked back at its wide range of activities in 2023 and set priorities for the next year. Among key priorities will be value-based healthcare, precision medicine development as well as further promotion of sustainable healthcare investments. The work group welcomed a new Co-Chair, Irena Teterina, Medical Head Baltics & Ukraine at Novartis Baltics.

Digitalization of healthcare in Latvia: why, how and for whom?

In a new op-ed featured in LSM, AmCham's Digital Health WG representatives Kadi Lubi, Kristaps Krafte, and Ieva Dzirkale stress the importance of digitalization in and of healthcare. Latvia, like all Western welfare countries, is an aging society, which means not only an increase in the number of patients but also a decrease in healthcare professionals and in order to keep the healthcare system functioning, there is a need for people – whether they are healthcare professionals, patients, or carers – to be equipped with tools as well as skills, knowledge, and a favorable attitude. Read the full article here.

AmCham raises over €8850 for charities in 2023

In 2023 we raised more than €8850 for the following charities: The Children's Hospital Foundation, Latvian Foster Family Association, Pink Train Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities Latvija, and SOS Children’s Villages. As a result of members' donations, the charities will be able to promote the healthy development of Latvia's children and their rights to grow up in a family environment as well as support women affected by breast cancer. Let's continue to support the great work to improve the health and well-being of Latvia's women and children!

Luminor donates €14 000 to Dod Pieci

For the tenth year in a row, Luminor is supporting the charity marathon "Dod Pieci" (High Five!). This year they have donated 14,000 euros to give children and young people the opportunity to escape from an unfavorable environment and provide assistance to create a better and safer future. From December 1 to 21, the bank invites everyone to donate by exchanging a song to play on www.dodpieci.lv. As usual, the songs will be played on Latvijas Radio 5 and on pieci.lv during the charity marathon.

AmCham representatives meet the Minister of Finance

On December 14, the AmCham representatives met with Arvils Aseradens, Minister of Finance to discuss balancing the tax burden for foreign and resident private investors as well as to introduce him to the recent AmCham recommendations "Increasing investments and competitiveness for Latvia’s economic security" The discussion took place as part of the Minister's visit of MikroTik.

Contribute to Change Management Index 2023

AmCham member Anita Gaile of Anita Gaile Consulting along with experts Jānis Gredzens, Ieva Zaumane, and Ojārs Stūre, are joining forces to investigate what organizational practices are in the change and crisis management area and are encouraging to fill out the survey by December 23 HERE. The results of the survey will allow better-informed conclusions and judgments about the status of change and crisis management in companies.

On December 13, members were honored to meet Christopher Robinson, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia who shared his insights on the U.S.-Latvia bilateral relations and the future of transatlantic partnership and security in these challenging times. According to the Ambassador, areas of improvement include accessibility to banking services, energy security, investment in education, R&D, and a skillful workforce as well as continuing the fight against corruption.

Members gather to discuss FDI attraction

On December 12, Investment work group members gathered for a work group meeting to look back at activities of 2023, review the latest AmCham recommendations, and plan support activities to foster investment flow to Latvia. The group also discussed priorities for 2024.

Take part in PwC's CEO Survey

PwC invites you to participate in the annual PwC’s Baltic CEO Survey to share your views on business opportunities and threats, growth prospects, and labor availability. The survey aims to find out how business leaders assess the business environment in the Baltics and how they adapt and transform their companies to ensure the sustainable development of their businesses. The survey will be open until January 12, 2024, while the survey results will be published in March 2024.