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From NCCL30 September 2026NCCL Participates in Discussion on Riga’s Future Development
The Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia (NCCL) participated in the recent discussion “You ask. Riga responds. Let’s build together” bringing together representatives of the Riga City Council, the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency (RITA), diplomatic missions and foreign chambers of commerce. The event was hosted by the Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Council, Māris Sprindžuks, and the Head of the City Development Committee of the Riga City Council, Edgars Bergholcs. The Riga City Municipality has started work on the new Riga Sustainable Development Strategy from 2050, which will define the city’s long-term development vision, strategic objectives and priority areas for action over the next 25 years. Representatives of the Riga City Council shared the city’s development vision, the progress achieved so far and the steps planned for the future. Alise Barvika, Head of the Investment Promotion Division at the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, provided an overview on Riga investment and business environment; Kristaps Niedols, Urban mobility expert of Public Infrastructure Project Development Division, shared the visions for reviving the heart of Riga city; while Eva Altenburga, Head of Tourism Department of City Riga at Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, presented Riga’s image and international positioning. The discussion addressed key aspects of Riga’s future development including: 🔹 Investment and the business environment 🔹 Development of the city centre and Central Market 🔹 Waterfront and passenger water transport 🔹 Mobility and urban development 🔹 Tourism, culture and Riga’s international positioning 🔹 The city’s future economic development A key theme was Riga’s positioning as an international business and investment destination. The discussion highlighted the importance of clear development priorities and effective cooperation between public institutions and the international business community. Understanding Riga’s priorities, upcoming projects and areas of opportunity makes it easier to identify where businesses can contribute and where new partnerships can emerge. Open dialogue between the city and the international business community is an important part of this process. We are glad to be part of this conversation and look forward to continuing the dialogue on how international business can contribute to a more competitive, connected and sustainable Riga.
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From NCCL24 September 2026NCCL Represented in ABSL Latvia Summit 2026
The Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia was pleased to be represented at the ABSL Latvia Summit 2026, where the NCCL Chair of the Board Svetlana Kočerova, General Manager of the DNB Latvia branch, joined an expert panel discussing the evolving role of location strategy in a world shaped by risk, resilience and geopolitics. The panel explored how changing global conditions are influencing the way organisations approach location strategy and shape their international operations. As the global business services landscape continues to evolve capabilities, trust and resilience are becoming increasingly important considerations for organisations when determining where and how to structure their operations. For the Baltics, this creates opportunities to further demonstrate the region’s expertise, talent and ability to deliver high-value services in an increasingly complex international environment. NCCL is grateful to ABSL Latvia for bringing together industry leaders and creating a platform for the discussion and exchange. The Summit provided an excellent opportunity to share perspectives, learn from fellow industry representatives and continue the conversation about the future of business services in the Baltics. NCCL looks forward to continuing to support dialogue and cooperation between the Norwegian and Latvian business communities and contributing to discussions shaping the region’s future.
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From NCCL23 September 2026NCCL Participates in FICIL Members’ Meeting & Networking Lunch
On September 23 the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia (NCCL) participated in the Foreign Investors’ Council in Latvia (FICIL) Members’ Meeting & Networking Lunch, bringing together FICIL members, representatives of embassies, policymakers and other key stakeholders. The event featured a high-level discussion on Latvia’s economic development and competitiveness with the participation of the Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kulbergs, the Minister of Finance Māris Kučinskis and the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Economics Jurģis Miezainis. Following the Members’ Meeting and high-level discussion, participants gathered for a networking lunch. A wider group of the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia members was invited to join this part of the event with invitation extended to all NCCL members. Events such as this provide a great opportunity for the business community to come together, exchange perspectives and strengthen connections around issues that matter for Latvia’s economic development, investment climate and competitiveness. The event also offered NCCL’s Chair of the Board Svetlana Kočerova and Executive Director Ginta Tropa the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kulbergs and introduce him to the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia. We would like to thank FICIL - Foreign Investors' Council in Latvia for the invitation and for creating a platform for dialogue, networking and collaboration among Latvia’s business community, international stakeholders and the public sector.
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From NCCL17 September 2026NCCL Launches Its 20th Anniversary Season
The Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia (NCCL) marked the beginning of its new season with a special gathering at the Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence in Riga, also launching the Chamber’s 20th anniversary season. The event brought together NCCL members and partners for an evening of networking, reflection and discussion about Latvia’s business and investment environment. NCCL was honored to welcome H.E. Martin Sørby, Norwegian Ambassador to Latvia, who warmly hosted the NCCL community at his residence. Tatjana Guzņajeva, Executive Director of the Foreign Investors Council in Latvia (FICIL), also joined the event and shared insights into current foreign investment trends and international investors’ perspectives on Latvia. The evening also marked several important moments for the NCCL community. Arnis Kākulis joined as a new Individual Member, while Suncrisp upgraded its membership to PLATINUM level, strengthening its continued support of the Chamber. NCCL also expressed its appreciation to former Chair Harolds Bulmanis for his valuable contribution and continued commitment to the Chamber and its community. The anniversary year will be a time to celebrate the relationships and achievements built over the past two decades and to continue strengthening the Norwegian-Latvian business community. NCCL thanks all members, partners and guests who joined the celebration and contributed to a warm and welcoming start to the anniversary season! You are what makes this NCCL community special!
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Member introductions17 September 2026Welcome New Individual Member Arnis Kākulis!
We are pleased to welcome Arnis Kākulis as our newest Individual member! Arnis Kākulis has worked in the design and construction industry for over 30 years. Throughout Arnis’ career, he has worked in a variety of sectors in many countries around the world. Some of his specialties include strategic planning and advisory consulting, process design, design/construction management, program/project management and stakeholder relations. Most recently Arnis was the Program Director of one of the world’s largest urban regeneration projects in Riyadh integrating various infrastructure and development projects to create a vibrant live, work and visit destination in Saudi Arabia. Prior to that, Arnis served in many executive director roles at AECOM, most recently as the EMEA Workplace Market Sector Leader based in the Netherlands and before that as the Regional Managing Director in the Baltic States based in Riga, Latvia. He is currently an affiliate partner of CityFi, an international consultancy that helps visionary leaders realize innovation. His global clients have included European Commission, Ministries of Transport in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, RB Rail AS, Amazon, Google, Shell, BP, CITI, Microsoft Corporation, Barclays Bank PLC, Pfizer, Kempinski. Arnis Kākulis earned his Master of Architecture, Master of Urban Planning and Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning. With his broad international experience and passion for shaping better places and projects, we are especially pleased Arnis Kākulis joining the NCCL community. Warmest welcome, Arnis! We are delighted to have you as part of NCCL!
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From NCCL09 September 2026Pre-election Debate “Latvia at a Crossroads: Strategic Opportunities for Global Investors”
Not a single seat was left in the conference hall at the Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel on September 9, as Latvia’s international business and diplomatic community gathered for the Joint Chamber pre-election debate “Latvia at a Crossroads: Strategic Opportunities for Global Investors.” With the October parliamentary elections approaching, the event brought together representatives of Latvia’s leading political parties to outline their priorities for economic development, investment attraction, competitiveness and national security. Moderated by Vladlens Kovaļevs, the debate featured Arvils Ašeradens (Jaunā Vienotība), Gatis Eglītis (Nacionālā apvienība), Andris Kulbergs (Apvienotais saraksts), Jūlija Stepaņenko (Suverēnā vara), Ainārs Šlesers (Latvija Pirmajā vietā), Andris Šuvajevs (Progresīvie) and Viktors Valainis (Zaļo un Zemnieku savienība). Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, increased defence spending and demographic pressure, the debate explored three areas that are critical for Latvia’s future investment environment: • Strengthening national security and resilience in the current geopolitical environment; • The development of human capital in the context of demographic change, education, talent attraction; • Ensuring a level playing field and fair competition to support sustainable economic growth. The event was organized jointly by AmCham Latvia, BritCham Latvia, the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce (AHK), the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Latvia and supported by VA Government.
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