Baltic States – CIS, Forum, Good for Business, Lithuania, Markets and Companies, Ukraine

Dalia Grybauskaite and Viktor Yanukovych at business forum. Kiev, 22.11.2011. Photo: president.lt

According to the president, this forum, as well as the meetings of the chambers of trade, commerce and industry which have been held for several years already, show the wish to promote further the cooperation of both countries in the sphere of business and to develop joint projects. Over a hundred business people from Ukraine and Lithuania participate in the forum.

Speaking at the forum Grybauskaite underlined that the Council of Presidents of the Republic of Lithuania and Ukraine had already become a good tradition contributing to the development of bilateral relations and yielding actual cooperation results. She said that the development of political relations not always coincided with economic development, but business cooperation was a basis of bilateral relations and would be supported on the highest level.

"I am delighted to see that business people of our countries find possibilities in Lithuania and Ukraine to develop their business which contributes to promoting export and direct investment. Rapid development of business in both countries is our common interest," the president said.

The volume of trade with Ukraine can reach one billion dollars this year.

Transport project Viking which connects Lithuania and Ukraine by a direct link – railway – is an example of joint efforts and potential of our countries," the president underlined.

According to Grybauskaite, Lithuania has always advocated the common future of Ukraine and the European Union. The EU-Ukraine joint projects, aimed at enhancing business, infrastructure and promoting people's relations, contribute to the reforms necessary for Ukraine and promote in it the European business culture which is based not only on technical standards but also on values, she said.

Dalia Grybauskaite also participated in the opening of the exhibition – fair of goods manufactured by Lithuanian companies and farmers in Kiev, the presidential press service reports.

According to the president, effective Lithuanian business which is successfully developed in other countries is the best ambassador of Lithuania.

"I am delighted that the Lithuanian business is effective in Ukraine and other countries, that our food products and their quality are highly rated. Culture and gastronomic heritage really bring nations together," she said.

According to Grybauskaite, the interest of Ukrainian people in the products of small-scale farmers shows that family business has prospects both in Lithuania and Ukraine. It prevents from unemployment and revives the national heritage, the president underlined.

Lithuanian producers of foodstuffs, clothing and other goods – companies and farmers – participate in the Lithuanian Fair held in one of Kiev's shopping centres and in the International Cheese Festival, where one can taste Lithuanian products and dishes.