L. Savickas: 'We want Japan to see Lithuania as a gateway for investment in Europe'
During his visit to Japan, the Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Lukas Savickas, met with the Japanese Minister of Economic Security, Minori Kiuchi, to discuss opportunities for a bilateral strategic partnership in the areas of economic security, artificial intelligence, defence and space. The minister travelled to Japan with a Lithuanian business delegation consisting of representatives from over 20 companies.
'Japan is a priority market for Lithuania in terms of both exports and foreign investment. We see great potential for expanding trade with this strategic country and strengthening economic cooperation, especially in high-tech sectors. We want to encourage our businesses to participate more actively in high-value projects and to develop technologies for both Lithuania and Japan. We want Japan to see Lithuania as a gateway for investment in Europe,' said the Minister L.Savickas.
During the meeting with the Japanese minister, the aim of strengthening cooperation between the Lithuanian and Japanese space agencies, JAXA, was also discussed. JAXA is one of the most important space agencies in Asia and is renowned for its innovative scientific missions.
During his visit, L. Savickas attended the opening of the new Teltonika office in Tokyo. According to the minister, having a Lithuanian company present in a country as distant yet similar in values as Japan is an important step in strengthening the two countries' economic ties.
He also met potential investors in Tokyo and presented the Investment Highway initiative, which significantly simplifies the investment process in Lithuania. This initiative aims to reduce bureaucratic barriers and provide strong institutional support, thereby increasing Lithuania's attractiveness to foreign investors. Japanese companies could also benefit from this.
In addition, a meeting was held during the visit with fifteen representatives from the Japanese tourism sector and airlines, with the aim of encouraging tourism to Lithuania. Representatives of airlines and tour operators operating flights to the Baltic and Nordic countries attended the meeting. Participants included companies such as Finnair, Finn Corporation, Turkish Airlines and LOT Japan.
Alongside the Lithuanian business delegation, the minister participated in the Lithuanian-Japanese Business Forum organised by JETRO. At the event, Lithuanian companies sought opportunities for cooperation in innovation, high technology and other sectors. The forum was attended by more than 100 Japanese business representatives.
This week, L. Savickas will visit EXPO 2025, one of the world's largest exhibitions, in Osaka. Alongside Lithuanian business representatives, he will promote our country to the Japanese market with the aim of raising Lithuania's profile in this strategically important East Asian country. The minister will also participate in a special EXPO 2025 event dedicated to developing cooperation between Lithuania and Japan in smart city solutions.
In 2024, trade between Lithuania and Japan amounted to €172.9 million. Exports to Japan totalled EUR 104.5 million (of which Lithuanian goods accounted for EUR 92.8 million), while imports amounted to EUR 68.4 million.
Last updated: 19-05-2025
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