Economics, Financial Services, Funds, Latvia, Markets and Companies

Ruta Dimanta.

According to the board at "Economists Association 2010", Dimanta has earned public recognition for quickly responding and setting up the support program for people in crisis – "Well-fed Latvia", informs LETA.

She was one of five nominees.

In accepting the award, Dimanta emphasized that the Latvian community's strength is the ability to take action, not turning its back. She opined that a challenge for the nation in the future is not just discussion by the government and NGOs about increasing welfare benefits, but finding ways to motivate people to work so that benefits are not necessary.

"In past years Latvian society has adjusted itself to the economic situation – low wages, high taxes, etc. etc. Still, we should not get accustomed to the minimum subsistence level, so that the urge to develop remains," she commented.