The Lithuanian Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for well-organized Belarusian-Lithuanian business forum, which convened about 30 businessmen from Lithuania. The Lithuanian Prime Minister welcomed the growing trade and the on-going economic projects, pointing out the importance of investment-friendly environment for business development, and expressing hope that following Belarus's accession to the Eurasian economic union, conditions for our businesses will not decline.
"Lithuania-Belarus trade turnover amounted to LTL 7 billion last year. There are certainly good business examples, but we would also appreciate the removal of any hurdles that impede Lithuanian business operations. We talked about Belarus's restrictions imposed on the imports of cement glass, pasta, confectionery, beer. Single licenses and quotas for Lithuanian goods make the conditions for our businesses problematic", said the Prime Minister. The Belarusian counterpart assured in response that the restrictions on quantity and price will be discontinued.
The colleagues also discussed the cooperation in agriculture, transport, visas and border checkpoints. Lithuania has completed all the internal procedures necessary for the bilateral agreement on travel arrangements for cross-border residents to come into force. Belarusian internal procedures are pending. Besides, efforts have been made to facilitate Schengen visa paperwork procedures, saving time for the applicants.
"To facilitate Schengen visa procedures for the citizens of Belarus, efforts have been made to arrange for application procedures in different centres, located in other areas than Minsk. Such centres will have longer office hours, and people will not have to go twice to the embassy. The plans are to make this idea operational as early as next year", said the Prime Minister.
