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.