Northern European Business Association

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.