"Denmark is not only a strong supporter of Lithuanian independence providing from the very beginning sincere assistance to re-independent Baltic States. Denmark is a reliable economic partner of Lithuania, always committed to maintaining civilized and ethical business relationship. I am delighted that a mounting number of Danish businesses choose Lithuania. This serves to promote economic growth and job creation, and offers new market opportunities to Lithuania," the President said.
Denmark is Lithuania's twelfth largest export market and seventh biggest investor. 254 Danish companies operate here. Its direct investments in our country account for approximately 1.68 bn. litas. Danish businesses have implemented 18 major investment projects and created over 2,000 new jobs in Lithuania.
Based on a survey conducted by the Copenhagen Business School, the majority of Danish entrepreneurs choose Lithuania for educated and highly qualified employees, strategic geographical position, good infrastructure, and low operation costs.
According to the President, research, innovation, bio-technologies and communications are particularly perspective spheres of Lithuania-Denmark cooperation. Lithuania has the fastest broadband Internet, Lithuanian lasers make up 10 percent of all lasers globally used for research purposes.
Among the other topics discussed at the meeting was collaboration in energy sphere. Denmark, according to the President, is an example how to manage the energy sector in a transparent, innovative and effective manner, ensure a competitive energy market while retaining the state ownership of major energy companies, and how to diversify energy supplies. The President further underlined that energy security and common EU position in dealing with external energy suppliers was on top of Lithuania's and the EU's list of priorities.
The President and the Crown Prince also exchanged views on the Nordic-Baltic cooperation as well as issues of importance to the EU and NATO. Dalia Grybauskaitė thanked Denmark for its support to the Lithuanian Presidency of the EU Council. Denmark has held seven rotating EU presidencies and its experience and assistance are very important for Lithuania.
During the discussion on bilateral cultural cooperation, the President remembered the Nordic Midsummer celebration held on the initiative of Nordic Embassies this past June in Lithuania.
Tomorrow, October 9, at 9:00 a.m., the President together with Prince Frederik will open a bilateral business forum, with 230 representatives from Lithuanian and Danish enterprises expected to participate.
