The Foreign Investors' Council in Latvia (FICIL) kindly invites AmCham to the public panel discussion "Building trust", taking place on the 6th of June at 13:30, at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Soros Auditorium (Strēlnieku iela 4a).

"Building trust" is the key theme for the FICIL's upcoming annual High Council meeting (6th-7th June 2018).

The first panel discussion - "Small country, big potential: opportunities for Latvia in the digital economy" will be moderated by AmCham Board member and FICIL Executive Board member Ingrīda Kariņa-Bērziņa.

The statistical data regarding the public trust in the government and in politicians in Latvia show a bleak picture. The society has no faith in government institutions, which makes it difficult to promote any reforms, improve the business environment and ensure sustainable economic growth. A lack of trust compromises the willingness of people and businesses to respond to public policies and thus can also limit the economic development of the country. Respect for the rule of law, sound use of public funds, enforcing the law and engaging with citizens are all important contributors towards building trust.

The FICIL has been a constructive dialogue partner for the government for almost 20 years, driving improvements in the business environment in Latvia. Our moral and professional obligation is to invest our expertise and make Latvia the most attractive location in the Baltic Sea region for running a business.

During the upcoming public discussion "Building trust", the FICIL, in collaboration with other experts and policy-makers will explore in more detail two important areas that could significantly contribute to the sustainable economic growth of Latvia: digital economy and tackling economic crime.

Programme:
13:30-15:00 Panel discussion - "Small country, big potential: opportunities for Latvia in the digital economy"

Digitalisation presents an opportunity for Latvia's economic competitiveness. Where is Latvia currently in its digital transition compared to its European peers? What factors are setting it on the right path and/or what efforts are needed? What should be the vision of Latvia as a digital society and what are the concrete steps in various policy areas for the government and private sector stakeholders to foster digitalisation and innovation?

Moderator: Ingrīda Kariņa-Bērziņa, FICIL Executive Board member, AmCham

• Arvils Ašeradens, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Economy
• Rinalds Muciņš, State Secretary for Ministry of the Environment and Regional Development
• Mikus Ozols, Chairman of the Board at Telia Latvija/Telia Company
• Baiba Apine, FICIL Digitalisation work group leader, PwC
• Ilze Semeika, FICIL Digitalisation work group member, CEMEX

15:00-15:30 Coffee break

15:30-17:00 Panel discussion - "Tackling economic crime: bridging the gaps and being prepared for the new reality"

Latvia has experienced one of its worst reputational crises that has explicitly revealed the severity and impact of unresolved issues in relation to non-effectiveness of anti-money laundering, anti-fraud, anti-corruption and other measures. Where does Latvia stand at the moment and where is it heading?

Moderator: Māris Vainovskis, FICIL Investment Protection and Court Efficiency work group Leader, Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns

• Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Minister for Finance
• Ēriks Kalnmeiers, Prosecutor General
• Jēkabs Straume, Director of Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau
• Ilze Znotiņa, Head of the Office for Prevention of Laundering of Proceeds Derived from Criminal Activity
• Kaspars Podiņš, Director of Tax and Customs Police Department of the State Revenue Service
• Pēteris Bauska, Head of the Economic Crimes Unit of the National Crime Agency

Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in English.

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