Promoting ties between China, Baltic states important: Lithuanian official

VILNIUS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- It is very important to further promote cooperation and bilateral ties between China with the Nordic and Baltic countries, said a Lithuanian business official on Wednesday.

"It can help create a bigger market and bring win-win results to both sides," said Daina Klepone, managing director of Enterprise Lithuania, an organization under the Lithuanian Ministry of Economy aiming to promote entrepreneurship, support business development and foster export.

Klepone made the remarks when the parliament speakers from Nordic and Baltic countries were paying a joint visit to China on Jan. 7-13 at the invitation of Chinese top legislator Zhang Dejiang.

Citing the advantages of having similar business culture, strong economic relations and internal logistics among Nordic and Baltic countries as well as Lithuania's European Union (EU) membership, she said she believed Lithuania could serve as a gateway for China to enter markets of other European countries as well as the Commonwealth of Independent States.

"Of course, we wish this promotion can also expand our access to the Chinese markets as well," she said.

Klepone said China is one of the priority markets for Lithuania.

"For 2018 we are planning to continue our active promotion of trade relations with China through different channels, organizing several visits of business delegations and trade promotion events," said the official.

Klepone in December 2016 signed a letter of intent to participate in the 2018 China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai.

With regards to the import exhibition, she said Lithuania wished its high-tech industries involving optical and medical devices as well as laser and biotechnology, could find business opportunities.

"We expect that this exhibition will be a real breakthrough for our trade relations with China," said Klepone. Enditem