Beyond the First Handshake: Building Finnish–Latvian Business Alliances

Long-term partnerships over short-term pitches

📅 Date & Time: 8th August, 12.00-14.00

👤 Audience: Finnish business leaders, Latvian entrepreneurs, exporters, investors, government. Around 120 people
📍 Location: Riga

Program of the day:

🕛 12:00–12:05
Opening Words 🎤 Marta Rautenšilde, National President, JCI Latvia
Welcome to Latvia! Why JCI Latvia believes in long-term, trust-based partnerships. This meeting marks the beginning of something lasting – not just a handshake, but a bridge.

🕐 12:05–12:10
Official Welcome Address 🎤 H.E. Mrs. Riitta Korpivaara, Ambassador of Finland to Latvia
Strengthening Finnish–Latvian ties through diplomacy, business, and shared values.

🕐 12:10–12:30
How Finland Builds Business 🎤 JCI Finland Business Delegation
– Why Finland is different: Trust, planning, and long-term thinking – Why relationship-building is critical before doing business – Why JCI business visits between our countries are the most effective way to develop real partnerships – Examples of Finnish business culture: “Slow in, strong out”
🎯 Message for Latvian entrepreneurs: Don’t sell quickly—build slowly. Mutual respect opens real opportunities.

🕐 12:30–12:45
Opportunities in Latvia 🎤 Representative from Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA)
– Free Economic Zones, Ports, Logistics – Available support and matchmaking for Finnish companies – Strategic value of Latvia in EU and global supply chains

🕐 12:45–13:00
Finnish Companies in Latvia: Real Stories 🎤 Panel discussion with 3 Finnish entrepreneurs doing business in Latvia
Short, honest stories about successes, challenges, and why Latvia is worth it. Q&A from the audience

🕐 13:00–14:00
Business Networking Hour