"Lithuania has a lot to share. We are again enjoying one of the fastest growths in the EU and our exports are record high. Our GDP per capita has reached 70 percent of the EU average, expressed in purchasing power standards. We faced the reality and took painful, but necessary decisions," the President said.
She pointed out that Germany had long been an inspiration for many countries. Both Germany and Lithuania are manufacturing countries where more than 20 percent of the GDP is contributed by the industry. Lithuanian companies supply many components for highly valued German products - from Karcher to Siemens.
German investments in Lithuania account for almost 4 billion litas - Germany is the third biggest investor in Lithuania. It ranks second in total imports and fourth in total export from Lithuania volumes. Around 520 German businesses and over 1,000 joint ventures operate in our country.
According to the President, Germany is the land of ideas, but also of industry and low unemployment. Germany has succeeded to maintain low levels of youth unemployment even during the crisis. It is therefore just the right time to learn from each other and adopt the best national solutions, as good solutions and actions today are the basis for the youth's future, the President noted.
Welcoming the participants, the President underlined that we need more real business cooperation to lead the change - not be driven by it.
