The results of the FICIL Sentiment Index 2018 study suggest that the investment attractiveness of Latvia, according to the viewpoints of foreign investors, has remained the same as compared to the situation one year ago scoring 2,5 points out of 5. Main concerns identified in the business environment include corruption in the public sector, availability and quality of labor, efficiency of the public sector.

Stepping up our advocacy efforts

Throughout the year AmCham has been increasing its advocacy efforts and cooperation with various stakeholders on issues including labor force shortages, STEM education, whistleblowers' protection and digitalization. Next year we will continue to raise awareness about whistleblowers' protection and how to ensure adequate internal control mechanisms. Labor force will remain one of our strategic priorities responding to the critical need to attract qualified talent, both international and domestic. In the coming weeks we will be asking for members' opinion in an online survey on labor force issues. We are also planning to renew our Healthcare Working group, and will closely monitor Latvia's progress following up on Moneyval's report on its financial sector.

BPT Real Estate and UniWeb join membership

BPT Real Estate and UniWeb have joined the Chamber in December. Read further to find out more about their businesses. We warmly welcome them to the AmCham community!

Ellex wins prestigious Mergermarket M&A Award

Ellex was awarded “Baltic M&A Legal Adviser of the Year” at Mergermarket’s prestigious European M&A Awards 2018 ceremony in London on December 6. Their Corporate/M&A partners Sven Papp, Raimonds Slaidins and Paulius Gruodis accepted the award on Ellex´s behalf at the ceremony. The award is Ellex’s fourth notable recognition received in 2018.

AmCham raises EUR 2710 for charities in 2018

The true spirit of Christmas is a spirit of giving. In total we have raised EUR 2710 for our principal charities this year: Latvian Foster Family Association, RMHC Latvija Care Mobile and SOS Children's Villages. As a result many children in Latvia will be able to receive free healthcare services and a family-based support.

Winners of the Human Development Award announced

On December 14 during the 5th Annual Human Development Award ceremony, the winners of this year's award were announced: Marika Ģederte, Anna Kupre, Children's Hospital Foundation and Kraslava Mommy's Club. The Award is hosted by AmCham, U.S. Embassy in latvia and the Civic Alliance in order to honor inspirational people, businesses and organizations who have significantly contributed to human development. The award aims at promoting initiatives that reduce inequality, foster social responsibility, enhance education, health and well-being of the Latvian people.

Spread the Christmas spirit!

With Christmas time fast approaching, we would like to spread joy and kindness through giving back and paying it forward and invite our members, partners and friends to support the initiatives of three principal charities AmCham has been supporting for many years: Latvian Foster Family Association, RMHC Latvija Care Mobile and SOS Children's Villages. We sincerely thank all the members who have responded so far and encourge others to consider supporting them!

Lursoft supports SOS Children's Villages

By concluding an agreement with Lursoft or updating an existing Lursoft account by December 28 you donate 10% to SOS Children's Villages in Latvia and Children’s Foundation of Latvia.

Greeting with a good cause

By choosing Christmas cards of SOS Children's Villages created both by their children and their friends you donate to the children in need and contribute to our common future.