The high-level event, being held for the third time, hosted over 100 business representatives from Lithuania and Ukraine and was aimed at promoting closer bilateral business and economic relations.
The President urged Lithuanian and Ukrainian business people to use opportunities opened up due to close friendship and political cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine. With the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement in effect, trade and mutual trust in business are on the rise.
From the beginning of the year, trade between Lithuania Ukraine went up by almost 25 per cent. During the three quarters of this year, Lithuania’s export to Ukraine reached half a billion euros.
The President underscored that Lithuania firmly supported the anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine as Lithuanian business’s willingness and determination to invest in Ukraine depended on the success of the reforms. The European Union and the International Monetary Fund – both urge Ukraine to improve business environment that is also important for the well-being of Ukraine. The World Bank Doing Business in Ukraine ranked it the 76th, which is 20 scores higher than three years ago. Lithuania ranks the 16 th in the Doing Business list.
According to the President, Lithuania and Ukraine are ready to sign a bilateral agreement in order to prevent unfair businesses from discriminating against third country workers and ensure their social protection. This is important for both, Lithuanians working in Ukraine and Ukrainians working in Lithuania.
There are many examples of successful cooperation between Lithuanian and Ukrainian businesses. Lithuanian made foods, chemical and paper products are exported to Ukraine. Information technologies, electronics, logistics, and renewables also open new opportunities for business contacts. Lithuanian companies contribute to the modernization of Ukrainian heating sector and provide advice to Ukraine’s state institutions and municipal enterprises.
