On January 11, the U.S. Chamber’s Annual State of American Business brought together business leaders, lawmakers, and policy experts to discuss how competition will drive business in 2022. The U.S. Chamber focused on the competition for talent in a transforming workforce, the fast-changing global economy and 2022 midterm elections. The keynote speech was delivered by President and CEO Suzanne Clark and special guests Pfizer Chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla and UPS CEO Carol Tomé who discussed innovations and smart solutions that will move the U.S. forward.

On January 11, the Healthcare work group members met for the first meeting of 2022 to look back on the progress of 6 pilot projects in 2021. The group will focus on the following priorities in 2022: Sustainable healthcare financing model and Value-based healthcare approach. The group will support other ongoing projects when necessary.

Members of the Labor Force work group gathered for the first meeting of 2022 to discuss vaccination certificates and vaccination for 3rd country nationals, the draft Immigration law and latest activities in the FICIL's joint Labor and Education work group. The group also touched upon the STEAM Lyceum project.

On December 16, members launched a new work group on double taxation on dividends. The aim of this work group is to come up with potential proposal on amendments to the legislation to balance tax burden for foreign investors to make Latvia more attractive for both international and the U.S. investments. If you would like to get involved, please contact us at amcham@amcham.lv.

Our concluding webinar of 2021 in Connect with AmCham series focused on well-being of employees, their mental health and ways to communicate and lead them throughout constant change. Inspiring experts Pārsla Baško of ERDA and Māris Taube, Professor of RSU gave valuable tips for employers on how to deal with difficulties in workplace caused by the emergency situation.