On September 29 and 30, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) welcomed representatives of the presidency and Budget Committee of the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Eurochambres). This visit was a significant event not only for the LCCI, but also for Latvia’s international business diplomacy, as it brought together leaders of business organizations from ten European countries – Belgium, France, Germany, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Finland, Georgia, Austria, and others – in Riga.

The LCCI building became the venue for two days of discussions on the strategic directions of European economic development, the potential of the single market, reducing bureaucracy, sustainability, and aspects of business security. During the Budget Committee meeting, participants also discussed Eurochambres’ organizational and financial issues, but the speech by Mārtiņš Kazāks, President of the Bank of Latvia, on the economic prospects of Latvia and Europe provided particularly valuable added value.

Aigars Rostovskis, President of the LCCI and Vice-President of Eurochambres, together with colleagues from European chambers, met with Evika Siliņa, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia. During the meeting, important issues were discussed regarding Latvia’s place in the European single market, the competitiveness of the business environment, the development of digitalization, improving the investment climate, as well as the importance of business in strengthening national security and support for Ukraine. The talks emphasized the need to more actively promote the conclusion of free trade agreements with third countries at the EU level, which would expand the export opportunities for Latvian companies.

The LCCI management introduced the guests to the chamber’s nearly 90-year history, as well as the renovated LTRK building, where the restoration of the historic Column Hall has just been completed. The walls of this building bear witness to the development of Latvian business since the first days of independence, and it is a place where important decisions are still made and international cooperation continues to develop.

At the end of the visit, the Eurochambres delegation visited the Latvian National Museum of Art, where they viewed works by Latvian artists. The guests were particularly inspired by a performance by the group Tautumeitas, which vividly reflects Latvia’s cultural identity and contemporary sound.

The LCCI proudly and confidently demonstrated the ability of Latvian entrepreneurs to be equal partners on a European scale. Meetings of this level strengthen our voice in the European Union and confirm that Latvia has something to say and something to offer. This is an important step in ensuring that the views of entrepreneurs are heard and taken into account in decision-making processes that affect our common economic future.