Care Mobile contributes to children's health in Latvia and supports Ukraine

In 2023 the Children's Mobile Health Care Center of Ronald McDonald House Charities Latvia has provided 5,198 free medical consultations for 4,201 children in 40 different regions of Latvia, as well as 17000 consultations to people in Ukraine. 
The RMHC Latvija Mobile Health Care Center ("Care Mobile") provides free medical services for children in Latvia in partnership with the Children’s University Hospital (BKUS). The "Care Mobile" program has the advantage of the ability to transform and expand the existing range of services, by offering specialist care, which takes into account the most urgent needs. 

In this year’s State of American Business keynote address, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark outlined the benefits of free enterprise in an optimistic speech at Chamber headquarters in Washington, D.C. on January 11. The State of American Business 2024 promotes the innovation and impact of America’s free enterprise system that enables businesses to serve customers, solve problems, and strengthen society. The event drew a virtual audience of more than 10,000 people from around the world.

In the first speaker event of 2024, AmCham members met with Viktors Valainis, Minister of Economy to discuss his ministerial priorities and ways to improve the business and investment environment in Latvia. Members had the opportunity to ask their questions and take part in a lively discussion on what can AmCham do to support the Minister's priorities. The discussion was moderated by Ieva Racenaja, AmCham Vice President.

What can we expect from 2024?

In an op-ed featured in Delfi Versijas AmCham Latvia's President and Executive Director share perspectives on the trends shaping economic growth, as well as the major opportunities and challenges in 2024 and beyond. Tremendous opportunities lie in the implementation of sustainable solutions, advancement of digitalization, and acceleration of the development of knowledge-intensive industries and high-value manufacturing, however, future success will depend on coordination, effective governance, and access to talent and investment. Read the full article here. 

Future Changemakers Academy

Riga Business School (RBS) invites AmCham members to support their new program "Future Changemakers Academy" which will be aimed at developing the leadership skills of secondary school students. The focus of the program will be on incentivizing students to choose careers in FinTech, HealthTech, and GreenTech. 

The role of investment and trade in fostering economic security

In the latest Baltic Rim Economies publication, AmCham's Executive Director looks at how the economic partnership with the U.S. can strengthen Latvia's economic security. "More should be done in prioritizing the U.S. as a full-range partner, including from the economic perspective. The willingness to proactively promote U.S. investments is a small but important step on the road to unlocking immense opportunities that hold promise not only for accelerated economic growth but, even more importantly, could considerably contribute to our common security." Read the full article here.

On December 19, the AmCham Healthcare work group held its last meeting of the year. The work group looked back at its wide range of activities in 2023 and set priorities for the next year. Among key priorities will be value-based healthcare, precision medicine development as well as further promotion of sustainable healthcare investments. The work group welcomed a new Co-Chair, Irena Teterina, Medical Head Baltics & Ukraine at Novartis Baltics.

Digitalization of healthcare in Latvia: why, how and for whom?

In a new op-ed featured in LSM, AmCham's Digital Health WG representatives Kadi Lubi, Kristaps Krafte, and Ieva Dzirkale stress the importance of digitalization in and of healthcare. Latvia, like all Western welfare countries, is an aging society, which means not only an increase in the number of patients but also a decrease in healthcare professionals and in order to keep the healthcare system functioning, there is a need for people – whether they are healthcare professionals, patients, or carers – to be equipped with tools as well as skills, knowledge, and a favorable attitude. Read the full article here.

AmCham raises over €8850 for charities in 2023

In 2023 we raised more than €8850 for the following charities: The Children's Hospital Foundation, Latvian Foster Family Association, Pink Train Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities Latvija, and SOS Children’s Villages. As a result of members' donations, the charities will be able to promote the healthy development of Latvia's children and their rights to grow up in a family environment as well as support women affected by breast cancer. Let's continue to support the great work to improve the health and well-being of Latvia's women and children!

Luminor donates €14 000 to Dod Pieci

For the tenth year in a row, Luminor is supporting the charity marathon "Dod Pieci" (High Five!). This year they have donated 14,000 euros to give children and young people the opportunity to escape from an unfavorable environment and provide assistance to create a better and safer future. From December 1 to 21, the bank invites everyone to donate by exchanging a song to play on www.dodpieci.lv. As usual, the songs will be played on Latvijas Radio 5 and on pieci.lv during the charity marathon.