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Poroshenko and Grybauskaite opened the second Ukraine-Lithuanian business forum in Kyiv on Dec.12
Business communities of Ukraine and Lithuania gathered in Kyiv to boost their mutual trade, investment cooperation and use the experience of Lithuania as a member of the EU in doing business. Presidents of the two countries and more than 300 participants opened the conference on December 12 in Kyiv.
Within the meeting, a number of documents on the future of Ukraine-Lithuania cooperation was signed. For example, between the Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs with the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists regarding the framework of relations for 2017.
Among the topics raised and perspective areas for investments - alternative sources of energy, an establishment of joint companies along with water treatment in rivers and seaport areas.
Anatoliy Kinakh, President of the Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs: "Lithuania is a very important partner for us. Ukraine is among top 10 exporters to the Republic of Lithuania. In the Ukrainian overall trade, Lithuania stands at around 23rd place. What is more important is that Lithuania is the EU country and has had a complicated transition period of the Lithuanian economy's adaptation to the EU's standard requirements. Both in the context of quality and safety of products. We need that experience".
Lithuania is experienced enough in coping with business obstacles and it's what they brought to Ukraine to share about. As well as discussing the first results of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU.
Arunas Laurinaitis, Vice-President of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists:"A big Lithuanian business team and delegation arrived here in Kyiv to get the understanding on main topics, in particular, about ecology which is highly important for the EU and changes after signing the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. Lithuania as a part of the EU has a huge experience and we intend to share our experience in the certification process, in privatization and in working on investments attraction. We also want to discuss using our potential and abilities how to create a mutually strong business and relationships between the countries".
While Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko was talking about first reforms' results in the country and persuading to invest in the country, Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaite hinted that still a lot must be done to eliminate corruption and reach unity among all the Ukrainians.
"I know that Lithuania has a unique experience. Lithuania can and should be a platform for Ukrainian business to reach the European market. We understand each other very well, we know abilities of each other, traditions of both countries, we trust each other and have a synergy of developing our businesses. It's a high time to invest in Ukraine now, because we have proved that we have reached progress on our way of reforms", Petro Poroshenko said.
"It's a challenge to think not only about your business but also about people. And share with them whatever you are gaining. Only the mutual understanding among society members, NGOs, politicians, business will help your country move faster. The level of corruption is far beyond imagination. You did a lot in 3 years but it's only the beginning, you need to do more", Dalia Grybauskaite said.