OREANDA-NEWS. September 21, 2009. Parex banka joined the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LTRK) to actively participate in initiatives aimed at healing the national economy, focusing in particular on small and medium enterprises. Parex banka is the first major commercial bank to join the organization, reported the press-centre of Parex banka.

Chairman of the Board of Parex banka Nils Melngailis: “The Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is very active in improving the business environment in Latvia, defending the interests of businesspeople and drafting proposals on how that environment can be improved. We wish to take an active part in efforts to heal the economy. The first step is to participate in the organisation’s competence councils to prepare specific proposals on how the banking sector can operate during the current economic situation, also thinking about what needs to happen in terms of the state’s economic policies.”

Parex banka will send representatives to most of the LTRK competence councils, including Small and Medium Enterprises Council, Knowledge-based Economy Council and Services Council.

LTRK board chairwoman Zaneta Jaunzeme-Grende: “Parex banka is the first bank in Latvia to join the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, thus proving that it understands the changes that are needed in the business environment and culture, as well as the fact that businesspeople themselves must make proposals and stand together in pursuit of the necessary changes. Active participation of businesspeople in public organisations is a bridge toward these goals.”

Parex banka is also a member of the US Chamber of Commerce in Latvia and the British Chamber of Commerce in Latvia. This has allowed the Bank’s representatives to attend high-level meetings, conferences and seminars, as well as to establish and develop business contacts.