The Business Forum in Vilnius was organised on the occasion of the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Belgium. It was attended by King Philippe of Belgium, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, Mayor of Vilnius Remigijus Šimašius and representatives and leaders of Belgian and Lithuanian businesses and various government institutions.
"Europe has recently been beset by a wide range of crises, Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the resulting energy disruptions. This is an opportunity for all of us to rethink and change Europe's energy policy, to pay much more attention to renewable energy sources and alternative fuels," said the Minister in her address to the Forum participants.
A. Armonaitė stressed that every crisis brings not only challenges, but also an opportunity to strengthen ties with friends who share the same values. Liberal democracy, respect for private property, market economy, human rights - these are the values that unite Lithuanian and Belgian people and businesses.
Lithuania has always considered Belgium as one of the priority markets for the export of Lithuanian goods and inbound tourism. Trade between the two countries reached €1.6 billion last year, an increase of almost one fifth compared to the previous year. Belgian businesses have invested just over €200 million in our country.
Lithuania aims to intensify cooperation between companies from both countries in the fields of biotechnology, lasers, renewable energy, financial technology and other high-tech businesses.
"Lithuania is a modern, progressive and ambitious country, demonstrating good economic performance and resilience in recent volatile years," said Ms Armonaitė.
On Tuesday, Minister Armonaitė will discuss economic cooperation projects at a meeting with Flemish Prime Minister Jan Jambon. She will also brief the Belgian Royal Family on Lithuania's scientific achievements at the Saulėtekis Valley Science and Technology Park.
