For the fourth year in a row, FICIL has carried out an assessment of the foreign investors’ sentiment regarding the developments of the business environment in Latvia. Professor Arnis Sauka will present the key conclusions of the research. Based on these conclusions, a discussion among politicians and investors will take a closer look at:

• the availability of workforce and quality of education;
• the rule of law, corruption and shadow economy;
• Latvia’s competitiveness attracting foreign investment.

 

The discussion will be moderated by journalist Jānis Domburs. The event will be in Latvian, simultaneous interpretation in English will be provided. The full text of the report “FICIL Sentiment Index 2018” will be available on the day of the launch event at www.ficil.lv

 

FICIL aims to create evidence-based policy through realistic and forward-looking recommendations. The goal is to improve the overall business environment and investment climate in Latvia. The FICIL Sentiment Index tackles topical issues, such as demographic decline, digitalisation, economic competitiveness, quality of the higher education system, rule of law, as well as economic and financial crime issues.

About the FICIL Sentiment Index

The FICIL Sentiment Index is commissioned by the Foreign Investors’ Council in Latvia and prepared by Dr. Arnis Sauka, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Business at SSE Riga.

Latvia’s economic competitiveness is examined from a foreign investors’ perception about the quality of labour, education and science, health and social security, business legislation, as well as demand for products and services, attitude towards foreign investors, hard infrastructure, soft infrastructure, demography and efficiency of labour. Additionally, the research also looks into the standard of living in Latvia, as a supportive measure to evaluate the attraction and retention of a talented workforce.

The production of the FICIL Sentiment Index 2018 is generously supported by the British Embassy Riga and the U.S. Embassy in Latvia. Furthermore, we are grateful for cooperation and support from Firmas.lv.