Representatives of Latvia’s largest business association, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and the Presidency of Eurochambres, the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, met today, September 30, met with Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa to discuss various issues related to the European business environment and economic development, as well as the future of European security.

During the meeting of the Eurochambres Presidency in Riga, LCCI President and Eurochambres Vice-President Aigars Rostovskis and LCCI Board Member and Foreign Affairs Director Katrīna Zariņa, together with representatives of the association’s presidency from ten European countries, met with Prime Minister Evika Siliņa to discuss the development of the Latvian and European business environment and the interests of entrepreneurs, while emphasizing the challenges of the future in terms of the economy and security.

During the meeting, particular emphasis was placed on issues related to the development of the European single market and the place of Latvian entrepreneurs in it, reducing the bureaucratic burden and Latvia’s successful experience in the field of digitalization, strengthening defense capabilities and the important role of business in this process, as well as improving the investment environment and competitiveness. Discussions also took place on international trade and the European Union’s (EU) work on concluding free trade agreements with a number of third countries.

This is one of the rare occasions when the Eurochambres Presidium meets in Latvia, and it is a significant confirmation of the international authority of both Latvia and the LCCI. The association’s presidium meetings determine the strategic priorities for the development of the European business environment, as well as representation issues in relations with EU institutions and other international organizations. These meetings take place twice a year, and this time Latvia will become a platform for discussing European economic issues for one day. This is an achievement in international cooperation that highlights the voice of our entrepreneurs in a joint dialogue. As an active member of Eurochambres, the LCCI is increasingly becoming a bridge between Latvian entrepreneurs and EU decision-makers. The president of the LCCI is also the vice-president of Eurochambres, which confirms that Latvia’s voice matters at the European policy level and that the interests of Latvian entrepreneurs are heard and represented.

“One of my priorities is to promote the competitiveness of Europe and Latvia. To achieve this, we must listen to the views of entrepreneurs and work together to address current challenges – reducing bureaucratic burdens, developing a truly functioning EU single market, and promoting international trade. Latvia has highly developed digital services and we are ready to share our best practices with other countries,” emphasized Prime Minister Evika Siliņa during the meeting.

“Latvia is and will remain part of Europe. It is important for us to participate in various international events organized by our European partners every day, every month – whenever possible – and to demonstrate our capabilities, as well as to invite them to Latvia to introduce them to our economy, entrepreneurs, and business environment. The path to greater prosperity lies through exports and investments, which is why international cooperation and the opportunity to be heard are very, very important,” comments Aigars Rostovskis, President of the LCCI and Vice-President of Eurochambres.

Such meetings strengthen Latvia’s dialogue with Europe, allowing entrepreneurs to be equal partners and actively influence decisions that determine our common future. The involvement of entrepreneurs in decision-making processes is not merely symbolic – it is an essential prerequisite for Europe’s economic growth, security and competitiveness.

The Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Eurochambres, acts as the voice of the business community at EU level, representing more than 20 million businesses. It is an important player in the European business environment, driving significant initiatives and supporting entrepreneurs to ensure a sustainable and competitive European economy.