Legislation, Lithuania, Markets and Companies

The Cabinet approved on Wednesday draft laws that call for allowing "x", "w" and "q" in the names of companies and organizations, but a final decision will be made by the parliament.

"This isn't the first attempt (to allow the letters). Previous governments tried to initiate this, but failed to receive support in the Seimas," Economy Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius noted during the Cabinet's meeting.

According to the minister, allowing the use of all Latin letters would make it easier for companies to export their goods or services.

The existing legislation does not allow companies to use non-Lithuanian characters in their names, with the exception of foreign-owned businesses or organizations. However, newly-established companies could circumvent the restriction.