Investors aren't leaving Lithuania because of soured relations with China – minister

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Economy and Innovation Minister Ausrine Armonaite says she has no information on investors leaving Lithuania because of its soured relations with China.

"We have information on investors' concern but no investor has left or has real plans to do so in the near future. There's only expressed concern," Armonaite said during the Government Hour in the Seimas on Thursday.

In hr words, agreements with new investors are being signed.

"We are signing major agreements with new investors for next year. We have at least 30 of those," she said.

Minister will also make decision on assistance measures aimed at market diversification next week, Armonaite said.

China is angered by Lithuania's deepening ties with Taiwan and the opening of the latter's representative office in Vilnius. 

Last fall, China halted freight trains to Lithuania, suspended the issuance of food export licenses, cut credit limits and raised prices for Lithuanian companies, and also removed Lithuania from its customs systems at one time.

China is also reportedly putting pressure on foreign companies to stop using components produced in Lithuania.