H.E. Mr. Valdemaras Sarapinas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Finland opened the event to introduce Mr. Audrius Masiulionis, the new Commercial Attaché of Lithuania in Helsinki.

Finland is the 8th biggest investor in Lithuania, which is a home market for many Finnish companies. Fortum, Outokumpu, Metso and many other Finnish companies have invested in Lithuania. Bilateral trade potential is, however, still far from being exhausted, H.E. Mr. Sarapinas stated in his speech.

Ms. Ieva Kovalskyte, Chair of the Finnish-Lithuanian Trade Association shared information on the trade association’s activities. The purpose of the Finnish-Lithuanian Trade Association is to promote trade relations and investments as well as to contribute to the economic interactions between Finland and Lithuania. The association organizes themed events on current topics for its members.

Mr. Audrius Masiulionis, the new Commercial Attaché of Lithuania in Helsinki has worked in Oslo and Stockholm before coming to Helsinki. He knows Finland very well as he used to work for Invest in Lithuania and often visit Finland during those years. Lithuania’s trade balance with Finland is negative, which is a challenge for him. ICT, engineering and start-ups are the priorities now for Lithuania in Finland. Lithuanian furniture is sold to Sweden, but not to Finland – that is a good question among others.

Around 1800 Lithuanians live in Finland which is less than in Norway or Sweden. Young, innovated people are capable to work in better positions to gain expertise. Lithuanian Professionals Club was founded in Oslo. This Club organizes educational and inspiring events for active people. For example, Oslo International Chamber of Commerce organized events on cultural differences, cooperation with universities and start-ups was increased and people took part in the Oslo Innovation Week which is an event like SLUSH. Mr. Masiulionis proposed that this kind of a Club should also be founded in Finland in connection with the Trade Association. This suggestion was well taken by all. Keep tuned and hear more in the coming months!