The association of Investors’ Forum that is working towards creating a better business environment in Lithuanian had its annual meeting on June 11^th. During the meeting, members of the association presented their activities and initiatives of the previous year which were focused towards strengthening Lithuanian economy, promoting business development and investments. In 2012, the association grew further and included 52 member-companies employing more than 26 thousand workers. The annual turnover of member-companies of Investors’ Forum reached more than 6.66 bn. Euros which amounts to approximately to 20.5% of Lithuania’s GDP. What is more, the members of the association contributed almost 4 bn. LT in taxes and social security payments.

“The successful performance of Investors’ Forum is a great example what can be achieved through business and government institutions cooperation. We are proud of association members’ contributions to Lithuanian economy and the initiatives implemented by Investors’ Forum inspire to continue to work hard in order to improve business climate in the country”, – said the Chairman of the Board, Rolandas Valiūnas.

According to R. Valiūnas, Investors’ Forum organised more than 10 events and meetings in 2012. One of the main events was Baltic Investors Forum conference which took place in Vilnius, October of 2012. The conference attracted more than 500 participants, 44 prominent speakers and 20 companies and municipalities participated in the contact fair and exhibition.

All of our events including Baltic Investors Forum receive a lot of attention from businessmen, politicians, media and society. It supports the notion that a need of events organised in order to improve business conditions and business development exists in Lithuania. We are going to continue to further organise discussions, meetings and conferences with the authorities and business people for the sake of improving business climate in Lithuania”, – said Rūta Skyrienė, executive director of Investors‘ Forum.

During the annual meeting, members of the association discussed about the possibilities of introducing the Euro in Lithuania in 2015, advantages and disadvantages of its introduction. The advisor to the Prime Minister, Stasys Jakeliūnaswas a participant in the discussion. Investors would support  the Government’s actions to be made towards the introduction of the Euro in Lithuania and expressed their beliefs that the Maastricht criteria can be met. According to members of the association, Lithuanian presidency to the EU council which will start in July 1^st will be a feasible environment to present Lithuania’s achievements for European political elite.