Midlands businesses are set to benefit from a closer working relationship with one of the fastest expanding nations in Europe.
The UK Trade and Investment team based at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has led five trade visits to Lithuania in the last five years which has resulted in more companies doing business in the region.
That work has now been recognised by the Lithuanian Government and its ambassador to the UK, Vygaudas Usackas, paid a special visit to Coventry to meet with business and civic leaders, and pass on his thanks.
Chamber president Darren Jones said the meeting could mean even closer ties developing with Lithuania. "We have visited the Baltic States annually and the international trade team has established very good links over there," he said.
"The Lithuanian economy is growing impressively, the country has good communication links, is very SME-friendly and has a well educated workforce.
"There are opportunities for Coventry and Warwickshire businesses in many sectors including ICT, training, financial services and leisure."
The capital Vilnius is also attracting major investment as it gears up for European Capital of Culture status in 2009.
"The work we have done in forging links has obviously been recognised and it was very pleasing to host the ambassador and to show him what this area has to offer," said Mr Jones.
UKTI stages another mission in May and the Chamber urges businesses wishing to export to the country to find out more information.
