On January 16, Luminor Bank invited members to the Business After Hours at their premises with an inspiring keynote presentation by Peteris Strautins, Chief Economist of Luminor Bank in Latvia on the economic outlook for 2024. Members were welcomed by Kerli Vares, Head of Luminor Bank in Latvia. According to Peteris, "Annual average inflation will be close to zero, and prices for goods will generally fall, while prices for services will rise. Since the majority of economically active people are wage earners, the forecast for changes in their well-being for the coming year is favorable. The expected decrease in Euribor interest rates, which has already started, also offers hope."

In this year’s State of American Business keynote address, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark outlined the benefits of free enterprise in an optimistic speech at Chamber headquarters in Washington, D.C. on January 11. The State of American Business 2024 promotes the innovation and impact of America’s free enterprise system that enables businesses to serve customers, solve problems, and strengthen society. The event drew a virtual audience of more than 10,000 people from around the world.

In the first speaker event of 2024, AmCham members met with Viktors Valainis, Minister of Economy to discuss his ministerial priorities and ways to improve the business and investment environment in Latvia. Members had the opportunity to ask their questions and take part in a lively discussion on what can AmCham do to support the Minister's priorities. The discussion was moderated by Ieva Racenaja, AmCham Vice President.

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.

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.