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The World Federation of Free Latvians (PBLA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia invite diaspora entrepreneurs, professionals, students and community representatives to “Latvia in Focus” (“Latvija fokusā”), a special event exploring opportunities for strengthening cooperation between Australia and Latvia, to be held in Melbourne on Friday, 6 November 2026.
The program will feature insights into the latest economic developments in Latvia and its thriving digital and innovation ecosystem, including the Latvian Information Technology Cluster, representing Latvia’s leading digital companies. The event will also showcase success stories from Latvian and Australian entrepreneurs and investors who have strengthened business ties between the two countries. Speakers will include guests from Latvia, Europe and the USA, and Latvia’s Ambassador-at-Large for Diaspora Affairs, Zanda Grauze, will attend. The day will close with a reception featuring the Latvian Radio Choir.
Whether you are looking to expand into Europe, identify new partners in the tech sector or explore investment opportunities, this event will provide a unique opportunity to connect with key stakeholders from Latvia’s innovation economy. Students interested in building or strengthening connections with Latvia are also encouraged to attend.
When: Friday, 6 November 2026, 10am-7pm (registration and morning coffee from 9.15am)
Where: The Langham Melbourne, 1 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006
Language: English in the morning, Latvian in the afternoon
Cost: free of charge, places are limited
Draft program (to be confirmed)
9.15-10.00am Morning coffee and registration
From 10am (in English):
- Opening
- Presentation on current developments in the Latvian economy
- Presentation on the digital sector in Latvia (Latvian IT Cluster)
- Panel discussion on the digital sector in Latvia and developing cooperation with Australia (digital sector entrepreneurs from Latvia and Australia)
12.30-1.30pm Close of the first part and lunch
From 1.30pm (in Latvian):
- The value and benefits of global networking for diaspora entrepreneurs (World Federation of Free Latvians)
- Employment policy in Latvia (State Employment Agency)
- The global geopolitical situation and its impact on Latvia (think-tank representative from Latvia)
- The image of Latvia (Investment and Development Agency of Latvia)
- Discussion on Latvia’s image and economic cooperation between Latvia and Australia (entrepreneurs working in Australia and active community members)
5-7pm Closing reception with the Latvian Radio Choir
The event is organised by the World Federation of Free Latvians in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Australia, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, the State Employment Agency of Latvia and the Latvian Federation of Australia and New Zealand. More about previous forums: www.latvijafokusa.lv.
Staying on in Melbourne?
On Saturday, 7 November at 2pm, the Melbourne Latvian community will celebrate the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia at the Melbourne Latvian House, with an address by Ambassador-at-Large for Diaspora Affairs Zanda Grauze. That evening at 7pm, the world-renowned Latvian Radio Choir will perform at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
Please share this invitation with your friends, colleagues and organisations, and register without delay. See you in Melbourne!
