Continuing his official visit to India, today Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas together with Economy Minister Dainius Kreivys and a business delegation of 28 members arrived in Mumbai, India’s financial centre. The Minister will attend a business forum at the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Business issues were also discussed during the meeting between India’s Minister of External Affairs Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna and Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs V. Ušackas on 3 December in Delhi.

During the meeting, Minister V. Ušackas noted that the visit of almost 30 Lithuanian businessmen, the Minister of Economy and the Foreign Minister to India was the best proof of Lithuania’s interest to develop dynamic economic and political relations with India, the world’s largest democracy that has 1.1 billion people.

Minister V. Ušackas was glad about the first India’s investment projects in Lithuania and expressed trust that more investors from India would follow the example set by the polyethylene producer Orion Global Pet that is established in the Klaipėda Free Economic Zone. During the visit, head of the company Čili Holding Tadas Karosas signed a franchising agreement with head of the GIPL company Sandeep Grover. In accordance with this agreement, the Čili restaurant chain will be established in India.

India’s pharmaceutical manufacturers took great interest in the distribution of medications on the Lithuanian market and the whole of the European Union market. This was discussed with representatives from the Lithuanian company Eluva. Lithuanian businessmen also visited a renewable energy factory of solar cells and discussed cooperation possibilities with its administration.

Head of India’s diplomacy welcomed the interest of Lithuanian businessmen in trade and investment possibilities that India opens up. Ministers S. M. Krishna and V. Ušackas agreed to develop dynamic partner relations between India and Lithuania.

In 2008, Lithuania-India trade amounted to 293 million euros. Fertilizers constitute a significant part of Lithuania’s exports. Indian-Baltic Chamber of Commerce in Delhi is headed by Asta Kuckaitė. Those, who are interested in business possibilities in India, please do not hesitate to contact her at ak@ibcc.lt.

On 4 December, Minister V. Ušackas also met with India’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah and Minister of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma.