Northern European Business Association

11/10/2026

Report on CanCham’s Show & Tell – September 28th, 2026

CanCham held its 2026 Show & Tell networking event on Monday, September 28th, 2026, at the Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel in Riga. The event was organized to give CanCham members and friends an opportunity to introduce their businesses, highlight recent developments and accomplishments, and establish new contacts for potential business cooperation.

The Show & Tell format is designed to provide participants with a broad overview of the products, services and capabilities available within the CanCham business community. Each presenter was allocated a short presentation period, followed by questions and answers. This encouraged concise, focused introductions and allowed participants to become acquainted with a wide range of businesses within a relatively short period.

For the September 2026 event, 34 participants provided 20 presentations. The program included a welcome drink, refreshments, business presentations, participant introductions and an opportunity for informal networking.

These presentations have been posted in CanCham’s web site at https://cancham.lv/show--tell/show-and-tell-28092026 for future reference.

An important feature of the event was the opportunity for all participants, not only the presenters, to introduce themselves and their organizations. These introductions helped identify potential business partners and provided a starting point for further discussions during the networking session.

The event also offered an opportunity for Canadian companies and representatives to participate remotely through Zoom, extending its reach beyond Latvia and supporting CanCham’s objective of strengthening commercial connections between Canada and Latvia.

The format followed the approach used for CanCham’s April 28th, 2025 Show & Tell, which featured 21 presentations and emphasized the importance of identifying business partners through presentations and subsequent networking.

These events strengthen the understanding of the capabilities available within CanCham’s network and encourage new business relationships. The Show & Tell format remains an important part of CanCham’s efforts to connect Canadian and Latvian companies, share information and support practical commercial cooperation and are repeated annually as one of our in-person networking events. The next such event planned for the autumn of 2027.

You are invited to review the CanCham brochure https://cancham.lv/about-cancham/brochure which describes important information about the CanCham and our upcoming events https://cancham.lv/EVENTS/upcoming-events-list, and please follow https://cancham.lv/ for the latest news and event updates.

Ed Kalvins
Chairman
Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia

03/08/2026

27/05/2026

Report on CanCham “Meet a Member” Event – Mogotel Hotel Group

On Monday, April 27th, 2026, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia (CanCham) held its “Meet a Member” networking event featuring the Mogotel Hotel Group at the Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel in Riga. The event provided CanCham members and guests with an opportunity to gain insight into one of the Baltics’ leading hospitality operators while also fostering business networking and collaboration.
The afternoon began with guest registration and informal networking over welcome refreshments, creating an opportunity for participants to establish new contacts and renew existing business relationships. Attendees then received a presentation from representatives of Mogotel Hotel Group introducing the company’s development, hotel portfolio, and strategic direction.
Participants learned that Mogotel Hotel Group, headquartered in Riga and founded in 2002, has grown into an international hospitality operator managing more than 25 hotels across nine countries with over 3,500 rooms and 55 conference facilities. The company operates proprietary brands including Wellton Hotels, Rixwell Hotels, Rixwell Collection, and RIJA Hotels, while also collaborating with international brands such as Wyndham, Marriott, Hilton, Accor, and IHG.
The presentation highlighted Mogotel’s broad range of hospitality services and venue solutions suitable for business meetings, conferences, corporate events, and private functions. Participants were introduced to various conference facilities and event spaces designed to accommodate both smaller business meetings and larger-scale events.
Following a networking break and prize draw, participants were divided into smaller groups and given a guided tour of the Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel. Guests had the opportunity to experience the venue firsthand, including hotel facilities, conference areas, and hospitality services, gaining a better understanding of how Mogotel’s resources can support both business and social events.
The event successfully combined business networking with practical insight into Mogotel’s capabilities and demonstrated the value of collaboration between CanCham members and hospitality partners. CanCham extends its appreciation to Mogotel Hotel Group for sponsoring and hosting the event and for their warm hospitality.
You are invited to review the CanCham brochure and upcoming events and to follow CanCham for the latest news and updates.

28/04/2026

24/04/2026

Report on CanCham’s “Expanding Horizons: Canada–Latvia Business Opportunities & Strategic Partnerships” Event

On Monday, April 13, 2026, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia (CanCham) hosted its “Expanding Horizons: Canada–Latvia Business Opportunities & Strategic Partnerships” event at the Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel in Riga. The evening brought together members of the Canadian and Latvian business community, representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and other stakeholders interested in strengthening economic cooperation between Canada and Latvia.

The event began with a welcome and opening remarks from Ed Kalvins, Chairman of CanCham, who outlined the purpose of the evening—to expand awareness of business opportunities between Canada and Latvia and to promote structured cooperation through CanCham initiatives. The formal program featured two presentations, followed by a Q&A session and informal networking.

Nicolas Lepage, Canadian Senior Trade Commissioner for Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, delivered the first presentation, providing an overview of Canada’s trade relationship with the Baltic region. He highlighted the role of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in supporting Canadian companies—particularly SMEs and startups—in international markets by offering market intelligence, connections, and problem-solving support. He emphasized the importance of trade diversification for Canada, noting the country’s continued reliance on the United States market and the strategic objective to expand non-U.S. exports. Within this context, he identified key sectors of opportunity in the Baltic region, including defence procurement, energy and renewables, digital technologies, and academic cooperation. He also noted Canada’s growing presence in the Baltics, including its military deployment in Latvia through 2029, as a driver of increased commercial engagement and partnership opportunities.

Ed Kalvins followed with a presentation on CanCham’s Strategic Partnership Initiative (SPI), focusing on its practical implementation as a tool to connect Canadian and Latvian businesses. He explained that the SPI is designed to facilitate structured matchmaking between companies through a coordinated approach involving dedicated coordinators, a growing database of companies and capabilities, and ongoing communication platforms. The initiative promotes Northeastern Europe as an integrated business region for Canadians, and provides a framework for companies to explore market entry, partnerships, and joint ventures with Latvian entrepreneurs and businesses that have sales organizations throughout the region. Particular attention was given to priority sectors such as defence, construction, IT, logistics, and food products. Ed emphasized the importance of relationship-building, targeted outreach, and clear communication from members, including the preparation of “sell sheets” and designation of primary contacts to support effective engagement.

The Q&A session generated active discussion, including requests for follow-up actions such as sharing the list of attendees and developing case studies of successful market entry experiences. Participants also discussed the need for continued collaboration between CanCham members, SPI coordinators in both Latvia and Canada, and the broader business community to identify and pursue concrete opportunities. The importance of tracking outcomes—particularly contracts and business generated through CanCham initiatives and procurement seminars—was also highlighted.

The event concluded with informal networking, providing attendees with the opportunity to introduce themselves, exchange ideas, and explore potential partnerships. Participants represented a wide range of sectors, including defence, construction, IT, logistics, and professional services, reflecting the diverse opportunities for cooperation between Canada and Latvia.

You are invited to review the CanCham brochure (https://cancham.lv/about-cancham/brochure) which describes important information about the CanCham and our upcoming events (https://cancham.lv/EVENTS/upcoming-events-list), and please follow https://cancham.lv/ for the latest news and event updates.

24/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1254060210225016&type=3

Report on the CanCham Corner – Toronto, Canada

On Friday, April 10th, 2026, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia (CanCham Latvia) held a CanCham Corner networking event at JOEY Don Mills in North York, Toronto. This informal gathering formed part of CanCham’s ongoing outreach efforts in Canada, aimed at strengthening connections with Canadian companies and promoting business opportunities in Northeastern Europe through Latvia.

The event was attended by Ed Kalvins, Chairman of CanCham Latvia, along with several Strategic Partnership Initiative (SPI) Canadian Coordinators, including Andris Ķesteris, Head of the Baltic Canadian Council and Canadian member of the CanCham Board of Directors; Susan Mogensen of Canadian-Baltic Gateways & Brown Dog Consulting; Karen Verbeek of BaltiCanada; and Aira Darzins of ARD Trading. The gathering also welcomed representatives of Canadian companies and organizations interested in doing business in Latvia and the broader region, including current and former members of CanCham.

During the event, participants discussed various approaches to engaging with business in Latvia and across Northeastern Europe. The Strategic Partnership Initiative (SPI) concept was presented and explained, highlighting its role in facilitating partnerships between Canadian and Latvian companies. CanCham’s role as a platform for business networking and market entry support was also outlined, emphasizing its position as the only Canadian chamber operating in this region and its ability to connect businesses with local partners.

The discussions provided valuable insights into market opportunities and practical pathways for collaboration. As a result of these exchanges, a clear way forward was established for those attending, with follow-up actions anticipated to further develop business relationships and support Canadian companies exploring entry into the European market via Latvia.

This CanCham Corner event successfully reinforced CanCham Latvia’s commitment to building transatlantic business connections and advancing its Strategic Partnership Initiative.

You are invited to review the CanCham brochure https://cancham.lv/about-cancham/brochure which describes important information about the CanCham and our upcoming events https://cancham.lv/EVENTS/upcoming-events-list, and please follow https://cancham.lv/ for the latest news and event updates.

17/06/2025

12.06.2025 Report on Canada: new government, renewed priorities. An update with H.E. Brian Szwarc, Ambassador of Canada to Latvia.

Report on Canada: new government, renewed priorities.

The event titled “Canada: new government, renewed priorities. An update with H.E. Brian Szwarc, Ambassador of Canada to Latvia” took place on Monday, June 9th, 2025 at the Pullman Riga Old Town Hotel.

Over the last few months, Canada has witnessed many political changes. These started with the implementation of the Trump tariffs earlier this year, then the resignation of then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, followed by the Canadian general elections on April 28th, 2025 with the re-election of a minority Liberal government headed by a new Prime Minister, Mark Carney.

Given the current geopolitical context, many questions were being raised. For us in Latvia, how will this affect Latvia? Will deteriorating conditions between the US and Canada provide incentives for Canadians to consider the EU to diversify commercial activities in our direction? Will the pressure on NATO spending affect us? And may more questions come to mind.

On May 27th, King Charles III delivered the Speech from the Throne which outlined the government's legislative agenda and priorities for the upcoming parliamentary session.

Ambassador Szwarc provided an update on the new Government’s composition and shared an overview of the key points raised in the Throne Speech. The following are the main effects related to Latvia:

Canada continues its NATO commitment by the Canadian Armed Forces leading Task Force Latvia as the top priority. Increased Canadian defense spending assures support of Task Force Latvia and Latvian security.
The development of stronger commercial and trade relations between Canada and Latvia is now the second priority of the Embassy. This recognizes that the US is still Canada’s most important trading partner, but also acknowledges the need for Canadian businesses to diversify in response to the Trump administration’s economic policies related to Canada.

Ed Kalvins noted that CanCham’s newly introduced strategy on the development of strategic partnerships is aimed at enhancing our engagement with Canadian companies, even those reluctant to committing resources to the Northern European market. This strategy will be promoted in the coming months. This could also facilitate Latvian companies wishing to enter the Canadian market to develop strategic partnerships with Canadian companies.

Ed Kalvins,
Chairman,
Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Latvia