Registration for the second World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum will begin on April 15th. In accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and the World Federation of Free Latvians (WFFL) the event will take place in Riga on July 9–10.

The aim of the World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum is to foster Latvia’s economic growth through cooperation among professionals from various business sectors in Latvia and abroad, and to promotetransfer know-how and expertise as well as attraction of financial capital to Latvia, and strengthening the sense of belonging to Latvia among Latvians living abroad.

Edgars Rinkēvičs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia has said that “for Latvia’s national economy, based on the values of liberal economy – openness, competitiveness and attractive investment environment – it is fundamentally important to follow the latest global trends, innovation and business models. The talented and successful Latvian diaspora living and working outside Latvia is a substantial resource for bringing the latest ideas and successful business models to Latvia. At the same time, every Latvian abroad is an informal envoy for the newest products and innovations, and as a result, increases the visibility of Latvia beyond its borders and contributes to its growth.”

Jānis Kukainis, Chairman of the WFFL, indicates that the aims of the first forum – to promote the engagement of Latvian entrepreneurs and experts living abroad in the strengthening of Latvia’s national economy – are even more significant in view of the current geopolitical tensions and their impact on Latvian economic growth.

Jānis Kukainis stresses: “This is the time when Latvian professionals abroad can offer assistance to Latvia in the most direct manner, assist Latvian businesses in finding new export markets, open their production facilities abroad, develop business ideas and help attract foreign investment.”

The second World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum will take place on July 10, 2015. The day before – on July 9^th, the Foreign Entrepreneurs Meeting will welcome business people and professionals of Latvian origin from all over the world.

Taking into consideration Latvia’s most recent economic challenges, the central theme for this year’s forum is the promotion of Latvia’s competitiveness both in attracting investments and entering new export markets, with a special focus on the analysis of various markets worldwide and international marketing for Latvian products.

The second forum is organised by the World Federation of Free Latvians and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia in cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, the American Chamber of Commerce in Latvia and the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga. The Ministry of Economics of Latvia and Latvian Institute are contributing to the planning of the forum.

During the XXV Latvian Song and Dance Festival which took place on July 2013, the first World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum attracted more than 350 participants from 21 countries.

Information and Public Relations Department

Press and Information Division

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia