We see huge potential for EU-China cooperation – Lithuanian minister

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Transport and Communications Minister Marius Skuodis took part in a remote 17+1 summit of China and Central and Eastern Europe on Tuesday as says he sees huge potential in the European Union's cooperation with China, as well as bilateral cooperation in the areas of logistics and transport.

"As a European Union member, we see huge potential in the European Union's cooperation with China through the implementation of the EU-Chinese strategic agenda," Skuodis said during the summit.

In his words, Lithuania places a lot of importance on bilateral relations with China, with major focus on transport and logistics.

Despite COVID-19's impact on the global economy, rail freight volumes from China via Lithuania jumped almost five times in 2020, with similar volumes expected this year.

Innovative financial technology solutions facilitating international logistics and commerce are also important for the development of bilateral cooperation, the minister said.

"Mutual economic benefit, open and transparent markets, equal business conditions – these are the principles that would allow swifter post-COVID-19 recovery of our national and regional economies," the minister said.

Skuodis represented Lithuania after President Gitanas Nauseda decided against taking part. The presidential office said no decisions of importance to Lithuania would be made at this meeting, adding that Lithuania is also in favor of the EU-China dialogue.