Baltic Export, Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Foodstuff, Legislation, Lithuania, Markets and Companies

The plan was prepared taking into account proposals of the Ministries of Economy, Communications, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Social Security and Labour, as well as the State Food and Veterinary Service and other institutions.

It is hoped the action plan will help to achieve several main goals: to assist businesses looking for new markets and business partners, improve accessibility to financial resources and enhance economic representation of Lithuania abroad.

Based on the action plan, the Ministry of Economy will organise participation in exhibitions and business missions, it will provide consultations and market research services to those that wish to readjust to other export markets. It is also projected to cover a portion of costs related to hiring commercial consultants who would help Lithuanian businesspeople enter foreign markets. Agricultural production, food product and logistics companies will be provided assistance finding potential business partners free of charge.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Economy increased the number of projects to be funded under the instrument New Opportunities. LTL 21.5 million (EUR 6.2 million) of EU structural funds will be distributed. The instrument aims to fund participation in international exhibitions and fairs. In 2014-2020 the Ministry of Economy will implement long-term measures Expo Consultant LT and Expo Certificate LT, seeking to increase international exposure of small and medium-sized businesses.

In addition, the ministry will improve borrowing possibilities for small and medium-sized businesses. The Ministry of Economy and non-profit organisation Enterprise Lithuania, with assistance of foreign trade agents, will help businessmen introduce Lithuanian goods in foreign retail networks.

The Ministry of Economy together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will seek to enhance economic cooperation with foreign countries and will use all possible bilateral relations. International inter-governmental cooperation missions and business forums will be held.

The action plan also stipulates that the Ministry of Agriculture among other measures will negotiate with the European Commission to launch intervention buying of agricultural products.

The Ministries of Finance, Communications and Economy will hold consultations with banks and other credit institutions on the possibility to apply leasing and interest fee exemptions or deferrals for vehicles purchased by transport companies affected by Russia's sanctions.