In 2024, FICIL turns 25! FICIL has started this year by meeting the Prime Minister and the President of Latvia to discuss the top priorities and solutions that will enhance Latvia’s competitiveness. January has swiftly passed by and it is time to look back at the busy month we’ve had.
FICIL in Action
FICIL representatives met with the Prime Minister to discuss the Governments Action Plan
On January 11th, FICIL Chairperson of the Board, Zlata Elksniņa-Zaščirinska, and the Leader of the Energy and Green Economy work group, Dace Cīrule, together with the social partners and representatives of other organisations met with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Siliņa, to discuss the Government Action Plan. FICIL approved the updated Government Action Plan’s goals, but stressed the need for public sector accountability in achieving the key performance indicators (KPIs).
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Meeting with the President of Latvia, H.E. Edgars Rinkēvičs
Chairperson of the FICIL Board, Zlata Elksniņa-Zaščirinska, and Vice-Chairperson, Reinhold Schneider, met with the President of Latvia, H.E. Edgars Rinkēvičs. The discussion revolved around the themes that FICIL has long advocated for, namely, the human capital development, workforce availability and skills, energy security and independence, efficiency, and digital development of public administration. FICIL has previously published position papers, offering recommendations on the topics discussed with the President of Latvia.
Meeting with the Minister of Transport, Kaspars Briškens
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On January 24th, the Foreign Investors Council in Latvia (FICIL) met with the Minister of Transport, Kaspars Briškens. FICIL was represented by the Board Chairperson, Zlata Elksniņa-Zaščirinska, Vice-Chairperson, Reinhold Schneider, and several work group leaders. The discussion focused on good governance, optimising public procurement practices, and on promotion of the green initiatives within the transport sector. FICIL stressed the importance of improving the public procurement process through centralised efforts and cooperation among the state officials. FICIL advocated for a procurement evaluation framework that recognises quality as a critical qualification factor. In addition, FICIL work group leaders highlighted the need for incentives that encourage businesses to adopt more environmentally friendly transportation solutions, as a way to achieve the sector’s emission reduction goals. |
Save the date! FICIL Annual General Meeting – 5th March 2024FICIL’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is approaching – it will take place on March 5th, 2024! This year, members will have to elect three new Board members, therefore the FICIL members are invited to apply to join the FICIL Board. As usual, FICIL’s Financial Report and planned Budget for 2024 will be presented by the Board during the AGM. The invitation and more information about the AGM for the FICIL members will follow in the upcoming days. |
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FICIL Executive directorAt the end of last year we informed about the changes in the FICIL office. After a competitive selection process, Tatjana Guzņajeva assumed the position of the FICIL’s Executive Director on January 29th, 2024. Tatjana Guzņajeva previously worked as a Senior Consultant at Technopolis Group, focusing on policy design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation at national and international levels. She worked on policies related to innovation, education and entrepreneurship. As the new Executive Director, T. Guzņajeva will have to continue the open dialogue with the Government and policymakers, cooperating to solve issues relevant to foreign investors – a level playing field in public procurement, rule of law, data-oriented and digital public administration, availability of skilled workforce – with the ultimate aim of increasing Latvia’s competitiveness. |
FICIL Work group update
On January 12th, Data & Digital Transformation work group met with Mr. Jānis Ziediņš from Culture Information Systems Centre, discussing digital solutions, such as the AI platform Hugo.lv, the integration of digital solutions in the public administration.
Energy & Green Economy work group met twice this month to discuss the updated National Climate and Energy Plan until 2030 and to prepare comments and recommendations for the plan. On January 12th, the Green Transport & infrastructure subgroup met to discuss and prepare for the meeting with the Minister of Transport, Mr. Kaspars Briškens.
This month, in an Interview for Diena, Energy & Green Economy work group leader Dace Cīrule commented on the green economy, energy security and renewable energy, highlighting the need for proactive planning, accountability and cooperation to achieve sustainable solutions and energy security. The full interview can be read here.
Public Sector reform work group met on January 22nd to reflect on the past year and on top priorities for this year, deciding to focus on the areas of public sector modernisation, digitalisation and cooperation between institutions.
Shadow Economy combatting work group meeting took place on January 10th, focusing on the ongoing tax reform and starting to prepare comments about the proposed changes to Corporate Income Tax. On January 24th, the work group continued the discussion on Tax Reform and prepared the comments on the proposed changes to Corporate Income Tax.
Shadow Economy combatting work group leader, Evita Goša, participated in “Kas notiek Latvijā?” to discuss the “Shadow Economy Reduction Plan until 2027”, emphasising the importance of comprehensive horizontal tasks in limiting the shadow economy.
Investment Protection work group met on January 3rd when FICIL’s fair competition & public procurement sub-group meeting took place to review the Competition Council guidelines for joint bidding of public procurement. The work group concluded that the guidelines for joint bidding should be improved and revised, and participants of the work group worked on specific recommendations which should be included in the revised guidelines.
If you would like to participate in any of the work groups or find out more information, please contact the FICIL policy expert Roberts Alhimionoks (Roberts.alhimionoks@ficil.lv)
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-Your FICIL Team