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.

Programme 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