In about a month’s time, on July 5th, the annual World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum 2023 (WLEIF 2023) will be held in Riga, marking 10 years since the forum first brought together Latvian diaspora entrepreneurs from around the world to establish and develop business contacts with their Latvian counterparts. Since then, WLEIF has taken place in Riga, Valmiera, and Melbourne, Australia. Two Forums were held online and an independent branch of WLEIF called "Spotlight Latvia" has developed under the auspices of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce in the USA.
This year's forum in Riga will focus on important sectors for the development of the Latvian economy, including biomedicine, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, green technology, smart energy, transportation, and mobility. Participants will review the progress in these sectors and promote discussions on the impact of these significant areas on the Latvian economy.
The conference will be opened by the President of the Republic of Latvia, Egils Levits, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Krišjānis Kariņš, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, and the Chairman of the World Association of Free Latvians (WFFL), Pēteris Blumbergs.
"In this turbulent period, Latvia is a beacon of democracy and investment in Northeastern Europe. With this forum, we want to highlight Latvia's strengths and potential, as well as bring together Latvian business circles with the Latvian diaspora and other international business leaders. For 10 years, the World Association of Free Latvians has been fulfilling the role of the forum organizer and business cooperation coordinator, and we are pleased to continue this tradition," said WFFL Chairman Pēteris Blumbergs.
The conference discussions will take four thematic directions - the development of the Latvian economy and investments, workforce attraction and supply, innovation in medicine and energy, and the role of the country's image in attracting businesses and tourists. Each section will be introduced by presentations from industry experts, followed by discussions.
"Understanding and promoting development in these important areas through discussions is essential for us to highlight Latvia as a pioneer in innovation and technology in the region and attract investments, talent, and entrepreneurs. Only by identifying opportunities for further development in these areas and openly discussing them, we can create an environment that fosters both entrepreneurship and societal well-being, and build a sustainable future for Latvia," said Elita Gavele, Ambassador-at-Large for the Diaspora at Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
High-level state and municipal officials will participate in the forum, including the Mayor of Riga City Council, Mārtiņš Staķis, the Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Kaspars Rožkalns, the Director of Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, Fredis Bikovs, the Director of the State Employment Agency, Evita Simsone, the Chairwoman of the Foreign Investors Council in Latvia, Zlata Elksniņa Zaščirinska, the Chief Legal Officer of GXO Logistics, Kārlis Ķirsis, as well as several entrepreneurs associated with Latvia who have achieved success in Latvia and internationally – Nils Melngailis, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Luminor Group, John Tully, Chairman of the Board of MikroTik, Martin Gauss, CEO of the Latvian national airline airBaltic, Roberts Grava, CEO of Crown Agents Investment Management, and others.
Participation in the World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum 2023 (WLEIF 2023)
WLEIF 2023 will take place in person at the National Library of Latvia on July 5th, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The full conference agenda and registration link are available on the forum's website at www.wleif.lv. Participation in the event is free of charge.
The World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum is organized by the World Federation of Free Latvians and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, in collaboration with the consulting company ERDA. The financial support is also provided by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Riga City Council, the American Latvian Association, and the State Employment Agency.