Investors’ Forum News

Lithuanian office of “Transparency International” and the “White wave” initiative invites interested parties and people to a discussion “What level of transparency does Lithuanian business need?”, which will take place on Monday, July 16th at 10 o’clock. The address for the event is Didzioji street 5 (4 th floor). The purpose of the discussion is to present the newest trends of the private sector in Lithuania and the world, discuss what does accountability means to Lithuanian businesses and together search for innovative and business-friendly transparency tools. 

During the event, the results of “Transparency International” Lithuanian office’s business transparency initiative “Gates: companies’ social and environment protection innovations” (translation from Lithuanian) will be presented. The initiative is financed by United Nations Development Program in Lithuania and other partners.

Worldwide practice of anti-corruption in the private sector and the reserach carried out by “Transparency International” of business transparency in multinational corporations will be discussed by an experienced “Transparency International” network expert Peter Wilkinson. Legal aspects of corruption in Lithuanian private sector and possible legal risks of corruption will be analyzed by a representative of “LAWIN” law firm, lawyer Rytis Paukštė. What is more, Liudas Jurkonis, head of “Ernst & Young” illegal action investigation department in the Baltic region, will introduce the current anti-corruption situation in Lithuanian business.  3 companies that participated in “Transparency International” Lithuanian office’s business transparency initiative will share their experiences and results of implementing the initiative in their business operations.

In the end of the event, new members of the initiative “White wave” will be presented with membership certificates. Everyone is invited to share their opinions and experiences by a cup of coffee after the event.

We would like that you would inform us about your participation via e-mail ruta@transparency.lt 

You can find the invitation to the event and the agenda here.

The Minister of Finance – I. Šimonytė was presented with an award during Investors‘ Forum annual meeting.

Investors‘ Forum annual meeting  was held on June 12th, 2012. During the meeting, investors reported about what has been done to strengthen Lithuanian economy and ensure futher development of businesses. Lithuanian minister of Finance, I. Šimonytė was presented with an award “For transparent and responsible” activities by investors and their fostering initiative “Clear wave”.

“Investors’ Forum and its members in Lithuania is an  example that all organizations can sustainably move forward, and lead by example. We can be proud, that the best achievements were accomplished by co-operation with businesses, government institutions and society”, – says Investors’ Forum executive director Rūta Skyrienė.

According to R. Skyrienė, „Investors‘ Forum“ had reached the number of 50 members in 2011, therefore, it renewed „Investors‘ Forum“ strategy up until 2014. „The organization has grown and matured, that is why we have to take more and more responsibilities to solve the most imminent issues of the country and set the priorities of conducting business“, says R. Skyrienė. According to her, „Investors‘ Forum“ has started 2012 by honouring investors, government institutions, socially responsible firms and business journalists that help to promote business environment and the growth of the economy, in „Annual Investors‘ Forum awards.”

In 2012, „Investors‘ Forum“ has also taken initiatives with government to reduce shadow economy in Lithuania, and continued to reinforce relationships with other business acociations. 

Association “Investors’ Forum” met with the Mayor of Vilnius Artūras Zuokas and talked about the activities to ensure the sustainable urban development.  The biggest Investors in Lithuania see the positive changes in improving the investment climate and reducing the bureaucracy in the city. During the meeting, investors and the mayor discussed the joint actions which could help even more.

„The City leaders deserve praise for being efficient and flexible in solving the problems for the investors of the first IKEA shopping center in the Baltic countries.

Investors have been presented to the adequate attention and care, which is particularly important to attract new capital and convince investors that Vilnius is the appropriate place for investment“ – said Rolandas Valiūnas, the Chairman of the Board of Investors‘ Forum and Managing partner at LAWIN Vilnius office.

„Having Criticized the municipality for the building permit issue processes and termination for many years we congratulate the city of Vilnius now that this problem is almost non-existent“ – says Rūta Skyrienė, the Executive Director of Investors‘ Forum.  In addition, she thinks the if we wish turning Vilnius into a modern, open and prosperous capital of Europe, all emerging difficulties must be solved jointly as there is simply no other way.

Among the issues discussed by the Investors‘ Forum members, once again transportation problem in Vilnius was in question. Investors said that Lithuania is the third world country but to fly from Vilnius to Germany people have to get up at 5 a.m. and travel through several airports. Investors assured Vilnius city Mayor that they would support the idea of improving air access to the capital of Lithuania and even help search for funding.

During the meeting, Vilnius Mayor A. Zuokas invited the investors to participate in the formation of “Air Lituanica” and buy its shares. “Despite the financial situation of the city and in some areas restricted rights of the Vilnius city municipality Vilnius is open to investors and investments” – noted the Mayor of Vilnius.

“We believe that Vilnius should quickly resolve the public transportation infrastructure issue. To ensure the sustainable development of the city the modern and comfortable public transport alternative is very important” – say investors. According to them, the discussions and specific calculations for decision – tram or metro – what’s better are necessary, but the public transport issue needs to be addressed quickly and efficiently. In turn, investors are calling to use the practical experience of other European cities.

On 14th of September, 2009 the 10 years anniversary of an association “Investors’ Forum” event “Investors’ Forum 1999-2009” will take place in Vilnius.

Our 10 years anniversary event will begin with planting the trees for creating the Linden Investors’ alley along the Upes street in the capital of Lithuania. The Linden alley symbolise strength as in myths the protection from evil spirits. The green colour symbolise wealth, which Lithuanian and Foreign investors create in our country.

On 20th of February already fourth high level Ivestors’ Forum with Government of Republic of Lithuania was held in Vilnius.

Investors’ and Government Forum became a regular event bringing an added value for representatives of business, society and governmental sectors reflecting one the good case practices of effective cooperation between business and governmental sectors in Lithuania.

On 4th of February, 2009 members of Investors’ Forum have had a meeting with representatives of the State Tax Inspectorate Under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania.

During the meeting members of Investors‘ Forum and representatives of Government sector discussed the main changes in Tax law system of Republic of Lithuania. Investors presented some issues in Tax law system which companies have difficulties on every day bases.