As September is there, the busy Autumn working season kicks off. Please read August newsletter to know more on upcoming FICIL members meeting, update on work groups and many more.
Members meeting – 12 September
We are pleased to announce that the next FICIL members meeting will take place on 12 September at 16:00 in Magdelēnas kvartāls (Antonijas iela 17a). Venue is kindly provided by FICIL member Vastint. Ahead of the new season FICIL membership will be informed about the FICIL work groups. During the meeting, we will mark leadership change in the FICIL and have a discussion on FICIL communication strategy. Please register for the meeting here.
Update on work groups
As of September, the active period of FICIL work groups begins. We would like to encourage our members to sign up to the work groups of their interest. This is a great opportunity to influence the work of the respective group and contribute to improvements of investment climate in Latvia. Depending on your interest and activity, we will be able to see which sectors and areas we need to address at the next year’s High Council meeting. Please note that this year proposal for a new work group has been already received (Food and Drinks Industry) but we are also open for more new ideas. Registration for work groups is open here.
Discussion on quality of Higher Education is actively continuing
The Latvian Students Association throughout July and August has been actively leading discussion on quality of higher education. FICIL is actively taking part and contributing towards quality standards. Following up FICIL position paper on higher education and recommendations regarding higher education governance, in the beginning of September FICIL will host a meet-up with youth organizations to hear the expectations from potential students regarding quality of higher education in Latvia.
Sentiment Index 2018 guidelines
Traditionally, Autumn is the season when FICIL Sentiment Index surveys are being conducted to collect data from FICIL members. Currently the FICIL Executive Board together with researcher Dr Arnis Sauka from Stockholm School of Economics in Riga are finalizing the work on guidelines and questionnaire for FICIL Sentiment Index. When the questionnaire will be ready, FICIL office will approach each FICIL member to schedule an interview that should take place during September and October.
OIK: update
The government is committed to work out proposals regarding cancelation of Mandatory procurement component and change the current situation. With the appreciation of the Ministry of Economy’s efforts, FICIL insists that the vision of how OIK reforms will affect further energy policy in Latvia is crucial. The FICIL invites the Ministry of Economics to review the reform in line with the National Environment and Climate Plan (2021-2030), as well as include in the future energy policy planning sectoral problem-solving solutions with clear and understandable impact on the energy sector. The full FICIL’s position dated 1st of August regarding the government’s initiative can be found here.
FICIL in Action
Whistle-blowers regulation
The members of Parliament under Public administration and local governance committee have established committee for legislation regarding whistle-blowers’ protection with aim to work out legal framework for protection of whistle-blowers. FICIL contributes to the discussions with the expertise from its own members. Given that the adoption of law will strengthen rule of law and increase general trust in the society, it is important that the law is adopted as soon as possible – i.e. during the current Parliament. If the adoption is postponed until after elections, FICIL sees serious risks that the issue might be postponed indefinitely.
FICIL contributing to government efforts towards digital country
In the light of ICT usage in broad range of industries, Latvian academy of science is hosting forum on 8-9 September which will be aimed at the digital economy and data protection and compliance. More information about the event can be found here. FICIL has actively promoted the development of digital economy. As stated in FICIL position paper on Digitalisation: “Government institutions should properly reflect innovative business solutions (i.e. sharing economy, blockchain, artificial intelligence) in the regulatory and policy framework. Innovative solutions shouldn’t be blocked, but ‘consult first’ approach should be applied.’ More information on FICIL’s views on digital economy can be found in the FICIL’s Position Paper on Digitalisation.
Farewell and welcome
After one and half year of exiting journey with the FICIL family, author of FICIL newsletter (FICIL Project Director Eriks Ajausks) is moving on and taking up new challenges. I hope you enjoyed receiving these newsletters for past one and half years. It’ has been exciting to be part of most influential business advocacy organization in Latvia.
Using this opportunity, let me introduce my successor – Linda Helmane. Her education background is in law and politics and she has experience in banking and public administration. Linda will take over duties of Project Director from 3 September. Welcome, Linda!