Latvia will be in the spotlight of the international investment community as Riga hosts the fourth annual Aftercare Forum in June 2026 – the only international event dedicated entirely to foreign direct investment aftercare and long-term investor development.
The forum will be hosted by Cities & Collaboration in collaboration with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), bringing together at least 80 investment professionals, policymakers, academics and investors from around the world. The event will feature discussions on the future of aftercare and effective ways to strengthen the development of existing investors in countries and regions. Danuta Pīlapa, Deputy Director of the Investment Attraction and Business Development Department of the Latvian Investment and Business Development Agency for Service Development, emphasises: “When the opportunity arose to offer Riga as the venue for the Aftercare Forum, at the Latvian Investment and Business Development Agency, we perceived it as a strategic opportunity to showcase Latvia as a safe and reliable investment environment on an international level. The forum will allow us to present our approach to investor aftercare and at the same time introduce international guests to Riga as an attractive destination for international business events. It will also provide an opportunity for Latvian professionals to expand their knowledge and establish new cooperation contacts.”
Investor aftercare, or aftercare, began to take shape as an investment policy instrument at the end of the 20th century, when it became clear that attracting investors alone was not enough – it was also important to help existing companies develop their operations and expand investments. International organisations, including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), use the term “aftercare” to refer to a set of measures that help foreign investors after the establishment of a company – from administrative support to strategic cooperation for the growth of the company.
Latvia selected as a suitable forum venue
Latvia was selected as the venue for this year’s forum at a time when it is increasingly strengthening its position in the field of investment attraction in the Baltics. In 2025, a record amount of investment was attracted, achieving the planned investments in Latvia of 1 billion euros and 1,350 potential jobs. Changes in the work of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, as well as closer cooperation between government institutions, which has made investor after-sales service a key priority for the country’s economic development, also play an important role in this development.
Investor after-sales service as a strategic priority
In many countries, investor after-sales service is becoming a strategically important area, as competition for investments no longer involves the attraction of new projects alone. The development of existing investors, repeat investments and expansion of company operations are also of increasing importance.
This approach is also reflected in the theme of the 2026 forum – “Technology-supported after-sales service”. Discussions will focus on how investment promotion agencies are using data, digital solutions and collaboration with partners to strengthen value chains, promote the transition to a greener economy and develop talent potential.
The forum programme is designed to provide participants with practical knowledge, compare different approaches and teach specific strategies that can be used in their work.
“Road to Riga” – an international cycle of events
For the first time, the forum will be organised as a broader cycle of international events called “Road to Riga”. It will include free online discussions on investor after-sales service throughout the year, and an online master class is also planned for May 2026.
The main forum in Riga will take place from 3 to 5 June, offering face-to-face discussions, practical workshops and an international exchange of experience. This approach means that industry professionals will not only have access to a single event, but rather a longer process of professional cooperation and knowledge exchange.
A special week for the investment community
The forum will coincide with another important international event – the annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which will be held in Riga from 5 to 7 June. This will also give participants the opportunity to follow high-level discussions on investment trends in Europe and other regions.
Attention to digital solutions, systematic investor feedback and coordinated institutional support help companies to more successfully develop their operations in Latvia. By hosting the Aftercare Forum, Latvia will be able to demonstrate this approach in practice for an international audience and at the same time promote broader cooperation in the development of the aftercare area for investors.
