EU-Australia free trade agreement is needed as soon as possible – Lithuanian formin

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis visited Melbourne on Tuesday and says Australia is a like-minded free trade partners, calling for a speedy free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union.

"Australia is an important like-minded partner with huge economic potential and opportunities for Lithuanian businesses," the minister said, quoted in a statement released by the Foreign Ministry.

A free trade agreement would significantly improve business conditions for EU, Lithuanian and Australian businesses.

One of the main objectives of this Lithuanian minister's visit is to strengthen economic ties between Lithuania and Australia.

In Melbourne, Landsbergis met with coordinators of the Australian Lithuanian Business Council, representatives from the Business Council of Australia and the European Australian Business Council, as well as from Global Victoria - the Victorian Government's trade promotion agency.

The meetings focused on the potential of bilateral economic cooperation and trade relations. Companies wishing to deepen or establish trade relations with Australia were also presented.

In addition, Lithuania's economic opportunities were presented in a meeting with representatives from the Business Council of Australia. The Council's members represent a range of sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure, information technology, mining, retail, financial services and banking, energy, professional services, transport, and telecommunications.

Landsbergis highlighted the need to increase Lithuanian export volumes in high value-added sectors.

"About 80 Lithuanian companies export to Australia. The companies work across different industries: lasers, electronics, biotechnology, engineering and automotive industry. These companies need help in order to be able to take greater advantage of the Australian market,” Landsbergis said.