In January 2025, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) launched a new initiative – the LCCI Diplomats’ Club, which aims to strengthen cooperation with foreign embassies, educate economic attachés about the Latvian business environment, and introduce the diplomatic corps to Latvian entrepreneurs. This year, the Diplomats’ Club held six meetings, each focusing on a specific sector, and they have been very well received by diplomats.

In 2025, the sectors reviewed were: pharmaceuticals and medicine, wood processing and forestry, energy, water and sustainability, Fintech, talent development and protection, providing diplomats with practical insight into the activities, innovations, development and export opportunities of Latvian companies. The sectors were presented by leading experts and association representatives: Raina Dureja-Dombrovska, Executive Director of the Latvian Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers; Kristaps Klauss, Vice-President of the Latvian Wood Industry Federation; Imants Martinsons, Member of the Board of the Green and Smart Technology Cluster; Tina Lūse, Managing Director of Fintech Latvia Association; Prof. Daunis Auers, Director of the Latvian Institute for Strategic and Economic Studies (LaSER); Agnese Pilāne, Board Member of the Association of Higher Education Exporters; and Normunds Bergs, President of the Latvian Industry Development Confederation. This approach not only showcases Latvia’s business potential, but also promotes new opportunities for cooperation and networking between diplomats and local entrepreneurs.

LCCI Foreign Affairs Director Natālija Juškova comments:

“The LCCI Diplomats’ Club, which was launched in January 2025, has proven to be a very successful initiative – it has generated considerable interest and received positive feedback from both resident and non-resident ambassadors. Many diplomats even choose to plan their visits to Latvia specifically because of this format. This year, meetings have been held not only at the LCCI premises, but also at Rietumu Bank, the embassies of the United Arab Emirates and Estonia, which further promotes more direct cooperation and closer contacts with the diplomatic corps. The next Diplomatic Club meeting is scheduled for January and will take place at the Embassy of Finland in Riga.

The initiative has proven its relevance among both diplomats and Latvian entrepreneurs, promoting direct dialogue, cooperation, and understanding of the Latvian business environment. The format of each meeting – presentations, discussions, and networking – provides diplomats with practical insight into the potential of Latvia’s economy and industries, while strengthening the country’s image abroad.