Analytics, Baltic Export, Direct Speech, Economics, EU – Baltic States, Good for Business, Lithuania, Markets and Companies

ELTA: What is Lithuania's part in Poland's map of exports?

Dycha: On our map Lithuania is the second one in terms of foreign investment attraction, you are surpassed only by Sweden. Bilateral trade relations between Lithuania and Poland are being intensively developed. Last year, we exported to Lithuania for EUR 1.9 billion, while imports from Lithuania accounted for EUR 1 billion. We achieved better results than we had expected.

ELTA: So the volume of exports to Lithuania is growing. What makes it grow?

Dycha: The main reason is obvious: both countries are members of the European Union market. Our geographical proximity plays a very significant role too. What is more, Lithuania has created good conditions to develop business. The increase of exports also comes from favourable investment environment in Lithuania and good personal contacts which Poles are happy with. We are very close and not limited by any physical barrier – this is how I would sum up the reasons for growing exports to Lithuania.

ELTA: What do you think about the economic potential of Poland and Lithuania? Should we be scared of another wave of the financial crisis coming?

Dycha: During the last financial crisis, both Lithuania and Poland found themselves exceptional as their GDP was growing. In 2011, Lithuanian GDP grew by 5.9 percent. We, however, were left far behind with 5.3 percent. But the EU predicts a substantial growth of GDP in Poland in 2012. The Polish economy is sound. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) agrees on that, forecasting that we will be able to maintain the current position and positive growth of our GDP. I would like to note that our economy is rather diversified. What is more, our national currency zloty acts as a safety net in these unstable times of the beginning of the EU crisis.

ELTA: What future do you see for the EU economy?

Dycha: I have to admit that the EU has some really serious issues. The goal of Lithuania, Poland and the entire EU is to resolve the current problems, working hand in hand. There are different opinions on how these challenges should be dealt with, but to my mind, no matter what we choose we must do it together.

ELTA: Do you see any signs of the EU apocalypse?

Dycha: The EU will not collapse. Just look at its history – we have had so many crises but they all ended up well. I hope, I am almost sure, that this time for the EU will not be exceptional and it will manage to adapt and tackle the problems. Or even better – it will grow stronger and more competitive.

ELTA: What are the key economic plans of Poland?

Dycha: We are very concentrated on what is currently going on in the EU. Poland is tightly linked to the union because about 80 percent of our products are exported to the EU member-states. When, for instance, Germany, where 25 percent of our exports go to, has problems, we have problems too. Poland really wants the eurozone matters to get better. At the same time, we are working hard on creating the best conditions to businesses and attracting foreign investment. We want make doing business in Poland a pleasant experience. When it comes to Lithuania, I believe that there is still a great potential in developing bilateral economic relations. In my opinion, intergovernmental bilateral meetings would make the task easier.

Thank you for the conversation.