EIMIN continues discussions with Rheinmetall in Germany
Deputy Minister of the Economy and Innovation Erika Kuročkina, who is on a working visit to Germany, met with executives of the German defence company Rheinmetall to discuss more detailed plans for the earliest possible start of construction of a 155 mm ammunition plant in Lithuania.
"In Germany, we continued our talks with Rheinmetall executives and together we took an important step towards the establishment of a modern ammunition plant in Lithuania. During the meeting, we discussed the necessary conditions for the company to acquire a suitable plot of land in our country and start construction of the plant in the autumn of this year. This is particularly important for Lithuania's national security and defence," said Erika Kuročkina, Deputy Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
"Last week, Rheinmetall signed a memorandum of understanding with the Minister of the Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė and the Minister of Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas on the construction of an ammunition plant in Lithuania. A site for the possible construction of a Rheinmetall plant may soon be approved.
To strengthen our national security, the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation this month submitted to the Seimas for consideration amendments to legislation to facilitate the development of large investment projects. Potential investors such as Rheinmetall will be able to take advantage of the provisions that have come into force.
The amendments would simplify the conditions for large projects addressing immediate national security and defence needs. This would facilitate procedures related to spatial planning, zoning and construction.
Amendments to the laws on arms and ammunition control and on public procurement in the field of defence and security were also submitted to the Seimas last week. They propose to reduce restrictions on the production of weapon parts in Lithuania.
Rheinmetall, based in Düsseldorf, Germany, manufactures weapons, ammunition and other security products.