For me, the connection between Latvia and Ireland has never been just about trade statistics or formal agreements—it is about people, trust, and shared ambition. This belief has shaped my journey for almost 15 years, including my role as one of the founders of the Irish Latvian Chamber of Commerce (ILCC).
The idea for ILCC was born in 2011. At the time, the Latvia–Ireland relationship was full of potential but lacked a structured platform to bring people and businesses together. We ultimately chose to register ILCC in Latvia on 25 April 2012. From the beginning, it was built as a bridge between two countries.
Over the years, that bridge has grown far beyond traditional trade. I have learned that strong economic relationships are rooted in human connection and are often strengthened through culture, education, and shared experiences.
We have organised initiatives in both Latvia and Ireland, including “Latvian Days in Ireland” from 2015 to 2018 and again in 2023. One particularly memorable example came in 2017, during Zemgale Days in Ireland, when I introduced Latvian musician Gunārs Meijers to Skārleta Mukāne and Noel Lyons of LatWest. His songs were translated into English, performed by Noel Lyons, and released as a CD. It was a powerful reminder that meaningful partnerships often begin outside traditional business settings.
The same philosophy has been at the heart of our 101 CONTACTS – Networking Evening. For more than a decade, with some interruptions, these events have brought people together in informal yet purposeful settings. They have never been simply about exchanging business cards, but about creating conversations from which relationships can grow.
Today, ILCC’s role has become more practical. We continue to organise networking and business events, but increasingly our focus is on creating concrete opportunities for companies to enter markets, meet potential partners and develop international cooperation. In 2026, this has included international chamber cooperation, the Connected Routes event on transport and trade, and joint networking initiatives with other international business organisations in Latvia.
Trade missions remain an important part of our work. We have led numerous Latvian business missions to Ireland, helping companies explore the market and build partnerships. In 2026, this is developing further through our September programme in Ireland and an October Latvia IT, AI and FinTech business delegation to Dublin. At the same time, we are working in the opposite direction—bringing Irish tourism and technology interests to Latvia and creating opportunities for Irish companies to discover Latvia as a business destination.
This two-way movement reflects how much the relationship has matured. What was once largely a one-way perspective—Latvian companies looking towards Ireland—has become a more balanced exchange. Irish companies increasingly recognise Latvia as a reliable and innovative EU partner, while Latvian companies see Ireland not only as an export market but also as a gateway to wider international networks.
There are clear complementarities between our economies. Latvia has strong capabilities in timber construction, manufacturing, tourism and digital services, while Ireland offers a globally connected business environment and extensive experience in technology and innovation. The opportunity today is therefore not simply to increase trade, but to build investments, projects, partnerships and knowledge exchange around these strengths.
Looking ahead, I see significant untapped potential: more two-way investment, stronger company-to-company cooperation, closer links between business and education, and greater use of the Latvian diaspora in Ireland as a bridge for international growth. We also need to give more Irish companies the opportunity to discover Latvia—not only as a market, but as a place to invest, innovate, and build partnerships.
As ILCC approaches its 15th anniversary in 2027, I see an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved and, more importantly, on what comes next. The Chamber is evolving from simply connecting two countries to helping create a dynamic international business community around them.
My vision is for the Latvia–Ireland relationship to become truly strategic—built on long-term collaboration, shared value, and trust. ILCC will continue to connect people, open doors, and turn first conversations into lasting partnerships.
Because in the end, everything starts with a connection—and the right connection can change everything.
