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Thursday, 25.04.2024, 22:16
Lithuanian and China discussed possibilities for closer political and economic cooperation
Algirdas Butkevicius and Li Keqiang. Belgrade, 17.12.2014. Photo: lrv.lt |
The Prime
Minister noted Lithuania’s approval of the cooperation developments under the
format China + 16 and pointed out the need for closer bilateral economic
relations, particularly in the fields of transport and agriculture. “In the
first half of this year, our exports to China went up by almost 20 per cent, but
what we need now is a new impulse to our cooperation in the agricultural
sector. Lithuania is still waiting for import permits for milk and meat
products,” said the Prime Minister.
The largest exports growth has been observed up
to now in electrical machinery and equipment, optical, photographic,
cinematographic, measuring, medical and surgical instruments as well as
furniture and household goods.
The Lithuanian Prime Minister took the
opportunity to invite China to make greater use of the Klaipėda port
infrastructure and freight train Sun, all the more considering that there are
plans to create an integrated transport system between Europe and Asia.
“This is a train that has, since 2011, been
running from Klaipėda to China via Kazakhstan covering 1.3 thousand kilometres
in 13 days. Chinese entrepreneurs are welcome to fully use the benefits of this
train in terms of its safety, speed and cost-effectiveness,” said the Head of
Government.
The Prime Minister also noted the delay in
coordinating the agreement on recognition of higher education qualification
between Lithuania and China. According to the Prime Minister, this would
provide for greater student mobility between the two countries, at the same
time increasing transparency in higher education, and facilitating employment
opportunities in both countries. Lithuania is ready to sign an agreement in the
near future.
The Head of Government has also pointed out that
Lithuanian universities offer excellent engineering, architectural and medical
studies to talented students from China. As of this year, Chinese citizens have
become eligible for a state grant for full-time Master’s studies.
Prime Minister Butkevicius has also invited
Chinese investors to participate in infrastructure projects in Lithuania.