See you at the World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum 2023!

  • July 5th, 2023
  • National Library of Latvia
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.

25+
speakers
250+
attendees
8
panels & discussions
8
countries represented

Meet this year’s speakers

Edgars Rinkēvičs
Minister for 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).

Kaspars Rožkalns
Director General of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA)

After several years in the leading marketing and management positions across various industries, Kaspars Rožkalns decided to take up the role of building Latvia’s global image and helping connect businesses, innovative ideas and minds with opportunities. First, as Head of the Representative Office in China and then holding the same position in Germany, he worked as part of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) to boost exports from Latvia, help attract investments and make valuable connections for the country.

As LIAA Director General, Kaspars directs his efforts to bringing the organisation through change and leading it towards becoming the best Northern European agency that delivers value to businesses faster. Agility, flexibility and being professional are the qualities he most values in his team.

Nils Melngailis
Chairman, Luminor Bank AS/Estonia

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.

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

08:30 – 09:00
Registration
09:00 – 09:20
Opening Remarks
09:20 – 09:40
Latvia’s Economic Growth Success of the Previous 10 Years
09:40 – 10:40
Big Picture Latvia: Opportunities for Economic Growth
11:00 – 11:20
Latvia’s Case for Foreign Investment
11:20 – 12:30
Invest for Growth
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch Break
13:30 – 15:20
Breakout Sessions
Panel Discussion #1: Services
13:30 – 14:20Business Looks at Latvia: A Country’s Image as a Key Differentiator for Landing Businesses and Tourists
14:30 – 15:20Latvia Moving Forward: Building 21st Century Transportation and Communications
Panel Discussion #2: People
13:30 – 14:20Eyes Wide Open: How Latvia’s Municipalities Win Foreign Business, and in the Process Remigration to Latvia
14:30 – 15:20Latvia’s Got Talent: Retention and Upskilling of the Labor Force as Competitive Global Advantage
Panel Discussion #3: Innovation
13:30 – 14:20Bio Frontier: The Future of Latvia’s Healthcare and Biotech Sectors
14:30 – 15:20Latvian Power: Energy Needs and Policies for the Next 10 Years
15:20 – 16:30
Networking Break
17:50
Closing Remarks

Venue

National Library of Latvia
Mūkusalas iela 3
Rīga, LV-1423
Latvia

Register today!

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