News

On 1 December in Hotel Ratonda, Vilnius, a three-day long annual convention of Lithuanian diplomats responsible for economy abroad, attachés for commercial affairs and representatives from Lithuanian Development Agency (LDA) was opened. The main topic of this convention is “Challenges of Economic Diplomacy in the Light of Economic Crisis”.

Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Petras Vaitiekūnas welcomed the participants of the convention and stressed that while trying to overcome the crisis and to lead Lithuania out of the economic isolation, it was important to consolidate the efforts of politicians, public officials, diplomats, and businessmen.

In his speech at the convention, State Secretary of Foreign Ministry Deividas Matulionis reminded that the economic diplomacy was one of the main goals of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside of the so-called pure foreign policy and provision of services to Lithuanian citizens abroad. According to the State Secretary of Foreign Ministry, the economy of our country is facing serious challenges in the light of the crisis.

“Our essential goal in the nearest future is to concentrate all attention to the export of Lithuanian goods abroad. This will be our main tool seeking stir up the economy in crisis,” D.Matulionis said.

State Secretary of Foreign Ministry drew attention to the possibilities of improving the system of export credits’ insurance, diversification of markets and transport projects. However, according to D.Matulionis, most attention should be dedicated to the solution of energy issues.

“Energy is a major concern for all of us. Today it is the Achilles heel of Lithuania. Energy security is not just an economic issue, but also an issue of politics and national security,” said D.Matulionis, expressing hope that in the future energy is going to become just a commercial issue.

Participants of the event were also welcomed by Prime Minister-designate Andrius Kublius.

During the convention, various important topics аre discussed: development of export of Lithuanian goods, attraction of foreign investment and promotion of innovations in enterprises, cooperation between businesses and diplomats, etc. Diplomats will visit Alytus, Panevėžys and Plungė with the aim to establish closer ties with businessmen in Lithuania’s regions and to encourage businessmen to address Lithuanian diplomatic representations for assistance more often. They will participate in the business contacts’ fair and will get acquainted with novelties in the tourism sector.

51 diplomats, 11 attachés for commercial affairs and 2 foreign representatives of LDA are taking part in the convention. This is the eighth event of such kind. This year, Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organising the event in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Lithuania, LDA, Association of Lithuanian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists and International Chamber of Commerce Lithuania.