The Riga Investment and Tourism Agency has started 2023 with innovations in both workforce attraction and attracting international companies: the international talent attraction platform "Work in Riga" has been launched and the "Workcation" programme, which invites companies to spend a paid "working holiday" in Riga, has been made more accessible.
Attracting talents - a key challenge for cities
The Riga's international competitiveness is primarily determined by the availability of skilled labour. This will be a major challenge for cities now and in the future. Attracting labour is also a key focus of the Riga Investors Advisory Council, which was established last year and which the Council has also highlighted in an open letter to the Prime Minister.
Riga has taken an important step to address the labour shortage by creating "Work in Riga", a unique digital platform in Latvia. The platform brings together information for job seekers from the EU, non-EU and diaspora countries in a user-friendly and accessible way. It is the only platform that provides clear and easy-to-understand information on all aspects of moving and starting work in one place. The information is also useful for existing businesses and potential investors in Riga.
Workforce as the most important aspect when investing in Riga
Labour shortages are a major problem for the economic development of Riga and the country. It is also a key factor that both foreign and domestic investors consider before deciding to invest in a particular area. Currently, when foreign investors decide to invest in the Baltic States, they often choose Lithuania and Estonia, where effective talent attraction policies are in place. Riga currently has the potential to attract 1 billion euro in foreign investment, creating 3,000 new jobs, but the realisation and approval of these projects depends primarily on the availability of the labour force.
The Mayor of Riga Mārtiņš Staķis notes: "The labour shortage poses challenges not only for new investors, but also for companies already operating in Riga. By creating the Work in Riga platform, the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency will support investors doing business in Riga or planning to do so in the future. The platform provides information for foreign nationals on how to start working in Riga. This is the first project of its kind and it will be a useful support for the talents who are looking for a job, as well as for all entrepreneurs and investors in Riga."
Work in Riga platform was created with the involvement of entrepreneurs
Work in Riga was developed by professional HR management and development agency "ERDA". Zane Čulkstēna, the company's founder, points out: "What will exist is what can attract and retain workers. Estonia realised this 20 years ago, Lithuania 10 years ago. Latvia will only take up this issue this year, but Riga is leading the way by helping Riga-based companies with information and marketing to attract foreign and diaspora talents. As a first step, this is very welcome."
Printify also contributed to the development of the platform. "We very much welcome Riga's initiative to create a platform that allows potential foreign workers and Latvian employers to find valuable information on aspects related to employing foreign talents in Latvia in one place. The platform will be a valuable knowledge base for employers who have already gained experience in employing foreigners and for those who are still planning to do so. "Printify is headquartered in Riga, but we are proud to have a team of outstanding talents from 28 countries. I am delighted to be part of this project and to share my knowledge and experience with others," says Anda Zubovska, HR Mobility and Process Quality Manager at Printify.
Workcation - a modern way to attract investment
In order to attract foreign companies to Riga, as well as to develop and positively influence the city's economy and business, the Workcation programme was launched at the end of 2022. As well as working and living in Riga, the programme offers participants the opportunity to get to know the city, the local work ethic, the people and the environment. Working holidays are becoming increasingly popular due to a number of factors: the opportunity to work remotely, and entrepreneurs' desire to balance work and private life. The Workcation programme is a modern and necessary solution for attracting new investment.
Due to the high level of interest, the programme has been made more accessible. Companies applying for Workcation this year must have a turnover of at least 5 million in 2022, not have a registered office in Latvia and employ at least 25 people. The qualifying company will receive a personalised and custom-made plan, which will include meetings with the Riga City Council management, opinion leaders and companies in similar industries, if necessary. More information about the programme and the application form is available here.
In April of 2021 the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, was founded, which has grown to a strong team of thirty people covering the areas of investment, tourism and Riga's international positioning, with a focus on improving entrepreneurship, the business climate and attracting foreign direct investment. In 2023, Live Riga is expected to develop and implement new specialised support mechanisms for global business services, supporting the creation of well-paid jobs.
Information was prepared by: Rita Pētersone, Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, Riga City Council Head of Brand Department,
e-mail: rita.petersone@riga.lv
