On Wednesday, 30 September, Māris Sprindžuks, Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Council, and Edgars Bergholcs, Chairman of the Urban Development Committee, met with representatives of the diplomatic corps and the international business community to discuss the business environment in Riga, as well as the city’s initiatives to attract investment and support entrepreneurs.
The meeting was attended by more than 30 ambassadors and honorary consuls, as well as representatives of foreign chambers of commerce and industry, who had submitted questions in advance. The discussions centred on Riga’s business environment, the city’s development priorities and future growth opportunities, which are also key aspects in the drafting of Riga’s new development strategy.
The local government outlined Riga’s priority investment sectors, as well as support mechanisms for promoting entrepreneurship and developing the start-up ecosystem. Presentations were also given on the city’s tourism development and business tourism promotion activities, as well as opportunities for cooperation.
Māris Sprindžuks, Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Council, opened the discussion by noting: “Such cooperation is important because representatives of the business community often spot issues and problems that the local government fails to recognise. Discussions are needed to gain a better understanding of what Riga can change, taking into account the international experience and perspectives of business representatives. Our development approach is based on a focus on specific problems. Tourism in Riga is slowly recovering, the economy is growing, but we can do better and work to ensure that the city administration is aligned with businesses and helps the city to develop.”
Following the meeting, Edgars Bergholcs, Chairman of the Riga City Council’s Urban Development Committee, stated: “The time has come for Riga to consolidate its position in the Baltic region and clearly define an identity that attracts investors. We are increasingly hearing from businesspeople and investors that the city needs a clear vision and a narrative explaining why Riga is the right choice for investment and business development. Let us therefore continue the work we have begun to make Riga one of the most attractive investment destinations in Europe. Today we have agreed to continue our cooperation in this format and to meet at least twice a year to address questions raised by participants.”
Jānis Mārtiņš Skuja, Head of the Polish-Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted: “The local government shapes the policy and the business environment, whilst we represent investors and businesspeople. We must therefore work together as closely as a glove fits a hand, so that Riga can regain its leading position in the Baltic region. If Riga helps businesses, we will help Riga. I hope that the Riga City Council leadership will continue this cooperation and listen to the needs of local businesses.”
The discussions focused on human resources and attracting talent, cooperation with the diaspora, transport and mobility issues, as well as strengthening the city’s international competitiveness and international visibility.
The participants were also briefed on planned projects aimed at making Old Riga and its surroundings more attractive to residents, businesses and tourists, thereby promoting the area’s development and economic activity. The local government also presented a plan to develop passenger water transport in Riga. This initiative was well received by participants in the discussion, who pointed out that it was time for Riga to make full use of its unique water resources and geographical advantages.
Information was prepared by Tatjana Smirnova, Project Coordinator of the Department of External Communication of the Communication Department of the Riga City Council, e-mail: tsmirnova11@riga.lv.
