This year's event will mark exactly 10 years since the forum first brought together Latvian entrepreneurs from the diaspora to establish and develop business contacts with entrepreneurs in Latvia. Since then, the WLEIF has been held in Rīga, Valmiera and Melbourne (and remotely during the panedmic), and independent branches have been established in the USA where the Latvian Chamber of Commerce in the USA holds the 'Spotlight Latvia' business conferences.
This year’s forum will focus on sectors important to Latvia’s economic development, including biomedicine, medical and green technologies, pharmaceuticals, smart energy, transport and mobility. Through discussions, participants will take stock of progress in these sectors and stimulate conversation on the impact of these areas on Latvia’s economy.
The conference will be opened by the President of Latvia Egils Levits, in one of his final official duties, Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš, Minister of Foreign Affairs and president-elect Edgars Rinkēvičs and the Chairman of the World Federation of Free Latvians (PBLA) Pēteris Blumbergs.
“In these turbulent times Latvia is a beacon of democracy and investment in North-Eastern Europe. With this forum we want to highlight Latvia’s strengths and potential, as well as bring together the Latvian business community with the Latvian diaspora and other international business leaders. For 10 years the PBLA has been the organiser and coordinator of the business forum, and we’re delighted to continue the tradition,” said Blumbergs.
The conference will focus on four themes – Latvia’s economic development and investment, labour attraction and supply, innovations in medicine and energy, and the role of a nation brand in attracting business and tourists. Experts will introduce each topic before launching into the discussion part.
The WLEIF 2023 will take place at the National Library of Latvia from 09:00 to 17:00 on July 5. The full program and registration details are available on the forum’s website. Participation is free of charge.
The WLEIF is organised by the PBLA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the consulting company Erda, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Rīga City Council, the Latvian American Association and the State Employment Agency.
