Lithuania and China pledge to increase economic co-operation

The Lithuanian and Chinese governments have pledged closer co-operation with the potential to collaborate in Horizon 2020-based projects.

In comments carried in the China Daily, the Lithuanian Economy Minister Evaldas Gustas told Chinese news agency Xinhua that the two countries were also looking to increase economic co-operation. The minister drew attention to a memorandum of understanding signed last year between Lithuania’s Kaunas Free Economic Zone and Chinese companies CAMCE and SINOMACH, which both countries hope will “become a state-of-the-art pilot project for this larger ambition”.

Gustas highlighted a number of key areas where the two countries are looking to increase research collaboration and undertake joint Horizon 2020-funded projects. Lithuania is currently seeking to expand its export market opportunities.

“The co-operation between Lithuanian and Chinese scientists and business could be fostered using EU structural funds and funds from the European Commission’s largest R&D and innovation programme, Horizon 2020. Lithuania is interested in attracting participants from China to collaborate in Horizon 2020 projects in different thematic areas like ICT, health, nanotechnologies, biotechnologies, space technologies, photonics, energy and transport.”

The minister also said he hoped Chinese entrepreneurs would invest in Lithuania. The Ministry of the Economy is currently offering financial incentives to encourage Lithuanian businesses to expand their overseas activities and exports.