Skip to main content

MAYOR CANDIDATES OF EIGHT POLITICAL POWERS SIGN THE LCCI APPEAL CONCERNING TASKS TO BE CARRIED OUT IN RIGA

Astoņu politisko spēku mēra amata kandidāti paraksta LTRK aicinājumu par darāmajiem darbiem Rīgā

The appeal of the largest entrepreneurs’ organisation of Latvia — the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) — regarding co-operation opportunities, changes and sustainable development of Riga, as well as tasks to be carried out, has been supported by eight parties — six without any comments and two with minor reservations — thereby confirming their readiness to carry out the proposed tasks to develop and promote a more competitive business environment in Riga.

Eight parties took part in the discussion of candidates to the post of the Mayor of Riga organised by LCCI; the parties’ ratings in July exceeded the 1 % barrier, based on results of polls done by SKDS. The LCCI appeal was signed by the mayor candidates representing the following parties and unions: Vilnis Ķirsis from “Jaunā Vienotība”, Linda Ozola from “Jaunā Konservatīvā partija”, Mārtiņš Staķis from the union “Attīstībai/Par!,Progresīvie”, Oļegs Burovs from “Gods kalpot Rīgai”, Viktors Valainis from “Zaļo un Zemnieku savienība” and Konstantīns Čekušins from “Saskaņa”, and with minor reservations - Ralfs Nemiro from KPV LV  and Einārs Cilinskis from “Nacionālā apvienība” and “Latvijas reģionu apvienība”.

“Promises have been received and the LCCI call for the co-operation has been signed, including regarding the involvement of the LCCI in the making of material decisions at the Riga Council affecting the business environment and its competitiveness — regarding the need of a green corridor for investments, mobility, introduction of smart technologies in the development of the Riga infrastructure and day-to-day interaction between Riga and the vicinity of Riga.  Furthermore, it was admitted that the public sector on the whole or in this case the Riga City Council in particular should avoid engaging in commercial activity. Promises must be followed by actions. Which is why I sincerely hope that after the Riga Council election, all of these initiatives will be implemented,” remarks the president of LTRK Aigars Rostovskis.

The appeal provides for parties standing in the early election of the Riga City Council to form a close co-operation with the LCCI to implement an effective and productive joint working model, thereby ensuring the development of a favourable environment in Riga and to strengthen the link with the entrepreneurs and their engagement in the local government’s decision-making process. At the same time, the LCCI urges to build such a co-operation model that matches the interests of businesses and residents of Riga and the vicinity and promotes mutual understanding and co-operation.

The appeal of LCCI regarding the operations of the Riga City Council includes four thematic blocks with a vision of tasks to be completed by 2025:

  1. Mutual co-operation. The organisation of the event “Business days” within the administrative territory of the local government for businesses from Riga and vicinity. The Riga City Council involves the LCCI in local government advisory councils and, in capacity of advisers, in important local government development and infrastructure projects. Regular participation of the Riga City Council representatives in the LCCI Riga Regional Council meetings and in other events organised by the LCCI, such as seminars, discussions, etc., and the participation of the LCCI representatives in the Riga City Council events dedicated to business. The LCCI and the Riga City Council regularly exchange essential information that is important for the achievement of common goals.
  2. Business environment and investments. Riga develops and implements a plan for the support of SME, including reviews of internal processes in order to reduce the administrative burden and red tape in matters relating to the business environment. The Riga City Council guarantees and develops the infrastructure necessary for business. The Riga City Council ensures participation of LCCI delegates in foreign incoming and outgoing visits in matters of investment attraction.
  3. Local government’s business activities and neutrality of competition. The Riga City Council engages in business activities only if it manages strategic assets important to local government interests, thereby ensuring an increase of its value and economic growth or if free market shortcomings are prevented by engaging in business activities. The Riga City Council carries out the function of assessments and outsourcing. Management of capital companies meets the highest standards of good governance.
  4. Mobility. Local governments of Riga and vicinity work together in matters of residents’ mobility, including matters on labour force mobility. Planning of an integrated public transport is formed, promoting accessibility of the local government at national and international level, including engagement in developing the platform, which would allow buying a single ticket for various modes of transport on different routes.