On 27th February, Foreign Investors’ Council in Latvia (FICIL) marked its 25th anniversary with a grand celebration, bringing together government representatives, ambassadors, partners, and FICIL members. The event was a tribute to the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering a better investment and business environment in Latvia.
While reflecting on FICIL’s history and mission, FICIL chairperson of the Board, Zlata Elksniņa-Zaščirinska, pointed out: “When FICIL was founded, it was born out of a vision – a vision that Latvia, a young and ambitious nation, could thrive as a dynamic economy, attracting global investment, fostering innovation, and becoming a competitive force on the global stage. We believed in Latvia’s potential then, and we believe in it today. But with belief comes responsibility. The responsibility to act, to transform this vision into reality. Our members did not come to Latvia just to do business; they came to make it their home, to help, and to grow alongside the country”.
FICIL extends its gratitude to members of the Latvian government for their participation, including special appreciation to the guest speakers – Minister for Economics, Viktors Valainis, Minister for Finance, Arvils Ašeradens, and to the Prime Minister, Evika Siliņa. Although the Prime Minister could not attend due to illness, her economic advisor, Reinis Lasmanis, presented a letter on her behalf, reaffirming the government’s support for FICIL’s mission.
The evening featured an engaging programme, including the FICIL Award Ceremony. As a token of appreciation, FICIL recognized outstanding contributions with awards in four categories:
- Outstanding Contribution to FICIL – Zlata Elksniņa-Zaščirinska, Dace Cīrule, Māris Vainovskis, Reinhold Schneider, Evita Goša, Claudio Rivera, Arnis Sauka;
- Most Supportive Civil Servant – Olga Bogdanova, Līga Kurevska, Olga Feldmane, Baiba Šmite-Roķe;
- Most Collaborative Public Sector Organization – LIAA (Investment and Development Agency of Latvia), Ministry of Climate and Energy, State Revenue Service, Ministry of Economics;
- Best Latvian Media in Business, Economics, and Politics – Dienas Bizness, TV3, LTV.
FICIL remains dedicated to strengthening dialogue between foreign investors and policymakers in the areas of public sector reform, digitalisation, shadow economy combatting, energy, green economy, labour market, education and training, construction, and investment protection. As highlighted in a joint declaration of the employers’ organisations – we invite the government to reduce its spending by 5%, investing in the defence industry to ensure safety, to drive innovation and economic growth.
To view photos of the event, please go here.
