Since 2013 WLEIF events have evolved to become a recognised and highly valued global gathering of Latvians and supporters of Latvian economic and business development.
Get ready for #WLEIF2023!
July 5th, 2023 • Riga, Latvia
What to expect this year
WLEIF is a unique opportunity to gain insights into Latvia’s opportunities, potential and investment trends, create strategic partnerships, and expand your network across industry sectors.
The Forum will include high-level government and corporate speakers with a wealth of experience from Latvia and the world. Participation will provide an exclusive opportunity to learn about the development plans and not-to-miss opportunities offered by the growth story of Latvia.
40+
speakers
250+
attendees
8
panels & discussions
8
countries represented
Meet this year’s speakers
Krišjānis Kariņš
Prime Minister of Latvia
Krišjānis Kariņš is the current Prime Minister of Latvia since January 2019. He has a Ph.D. in linguistics and a background in mathematics, philosophy, and literature. Kariņš served as a Member of the European Parliament and held various positions, including Coordinator for the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. Back in 2004-2006 he was also the Minister for Economics of Latvia and played a significant role in the New Era Party. Kariņš has business experience in automobile and office supplies trade and frozen goods manufacturing and distribution.
Edgars Rinkēvičs
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia
Edgars Rinkēvičs has been serving as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia since 2011. Prior to becoming a Minister he has taken various high level positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Chancellery and Office of the President of Latvia. In 2002-2005 he participated in negotiations on Latvia joining NATO as the Deputy Head of the Latvian delegation.
Rinkēvičs has received his education in University of Latvia (Masters degree in Political Science) and in the U.S. National Defence University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces (Master’s Degree in National Resource Strategy).
Nils Melngailis
Chairman, Luminor Bank
Nils Melngailis, regarded by many as one of Latvia’s most experienced business executives, is the Chairman of the Supervisory Council of Luminor Bank and also serves as Independent Director of the Board of the Printful, first privately owned Latvian company to achieve a valuation of above $1 billion.
Nils has served as a high-level executive in many organizations, including Lattelecom, Coopers & Lybrand and PWC. During the financial crisis, he took on one of the hottest seats in the country as he oversaw the restructuring of the collapsed Parex bank to establish Citadele bank.
Zlata Elksniņa-Zaščirinska
Chairperson of the Board at FICIL, Country Managing Partner at PwC Latvia
Zlata Elksnina-Zascirinska has been with PwC Latvia since 1994 and leading the Firm since 2013. In addition to her in-depth knowledge of the local market she has gained extensive international experience by taking part in various tax consulting engagements, including tax risk assessments, tax structuring advice on mergers and acquisitions. Zlata is a member of the Latvian Association of Certified Auditors, the Latvian Association of Tax Consultants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), as well as a Chairperson of the Board of the Foreign Investors Council in Latvia. As Country Managing Partner, Zlata is responsible for the management of PwC Latvia focusing on the needs of the clients and the business community.
Martin Gauss
CEO of airBaltic
Martins Gauss has been the executive director and chairman of the board of airBaltic since November 2011. Under his leadership, airBaltic has successfully implemented a stable plan for change and achieved a strong growth path. With an early decision to order up to 80 Airbus A220 aircraft, Martin Gauss has laid the foundation for the airline’s global success story. Martin Gauss is an experienced CEO with more than 30 years of experience in the aviation industry in various countries.
He still holds an Airbus A220 captain’s license.
Aļesja Kirčenko
Chairperson at ABSL Latvia and Deputy Head at SEB Global Services in Riga
Alesja Kircenko has more than 15 years of experience in finance in the Baltic and Nordic markets, with the main focus on operational excellence, process optimization and change management. Since 2017, Alesja is co-leading SEB Global Services centre in Riga, which has grown from 600 to more than 1200 professionals during this time. She is also one of the founding members and current chairwoman of the Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL Latvia), which unites the largest global business services companies in Latvia and maintains the dialogue between the GBS industry, government institutions and other partners.
John Tully
Chairman of the Board at AmCham and Mikrotik
John has been working in IT in Latvia since the mid-1990s and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of MikroTik, a network equipment manufacturer. He is also the founder of the Genomics Data Network and the Latvian Pediatric Cancer Initiative that provides free genetic testing for all pediatric cancer patients in Latvia.
Apart from raising millions of euros in support of education, science, and medicine, John has brought together a team of stakeholders to create the Genomics Data Network – a new high-capacity data network for scientists. This project accelerates the work of experts battling COVID-19 as well as conducting research projects on cancer and other severe diseases.
+ many more
Agenda
08:00 – 09:00
Registration and Coffee
09:00 – 09:08
Welcoming Remarks
09:08 – 09:40
Opening Remarks
09:40 – 09:45
Conference Orientation
09:45 – 09:55
Latvia’s Economic Growth Success of the Previous 10 Years
09:55 – 10:40
Big Picture Latvia: Opportunities for Economic Growth
10:40 – 11:10
Coffee break
11:10 – 12:00
Invest for Growth
12:00 – 13:15
Lunch Break
13:15 – 15:00
Panel Discussions
Panel Discussion #1: Services
13:15 – 14:05Business Looks at Latvia: A Country’s Image as a Key Differentiator for Landing Businesses and Tourists
14:05 – 14:10Break
14:10 – 15:00Latvia Moving Forward: Building 21st Century Transportation and Communications
Panel Discussion #2: People (This discussion will be held in Latvian)
13:15 – 14:05Eyes Wide Open: How Latvia’s Municipalities Win Foreign Business, and in the Process Remigration to Latvia
14:05 – 14:10Break
14:10 – 15:00Latvia’s Got Talent: Retention and Upskilling of the Labor Force as Competitive Global Advantage
Panel Discussion #3: Innovation
13:15 – 14:05Bio Frontier: The Future of Latvia’s Healthcare and Biotech Sectors
14:05 – 14:10Break
14:10 – 15:00Latvia’s Power: The Needs and Policies for the Next 10 Years
15:00 – 16:30
Conference Conclusion: Wine, Valmiermuiža Beer and Networking
Venue
National Library of Latvia
Mūkusalas iela 3
Rīga, LV-1423
Latvia
How to get there?
Pre-conference reception • July 4th, 2023