Speaking to the diplomats, Gustas stressed the importance of economic diplomats and the Economic Diplomacy Council to the country's business and competitiveness. The minister said that such small economies as Lithuania cannot rely on local markets only to ensure development and growth of competitiveness, therefore, sooner or later such economies must look for investments outside their country in order to update manufacturing, introduce innovations and sell their produce.
The minister also said that market diversification and export growth is not only an economic challenge but also an opportunity for business. During the meeting, Minister Gustas encouraged the diplomats to resist Russia's economic pressure and actively make use of all available diplomatic instruments.
As reported, on 18-22 October, the annual meeting of Lithuanian diplomats working in the economy field, commercial attaches and representatives from the business-promoting agency Enterprise Lithuania is held in Lithuania. Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius, ministers of economy, communications and energy are receiving diplomats.
