Largest foreign investors into Lithuania unifying association „Investors‘ Forum“ has congratulated Lithuanian Government and the Central Bank of Lithuania on the decision by European Union Common affairs council to accept Lithuania into the Eurozone from the beginning of 2015. Investors applause the decision and declare that Euro introduction will not only help Lithuania to assure economic safety and stability but also to improve Lithuanian business and investment climate.

„European Union‘s decision to let Lithuania adopt the Euro from the beginning of the following year sends a clear signal to potential investors that Lithuania is a trustworthy economy to invest in with financial stability and sustainable economic growth. We have an historical chance to turn Lithuania into one of the most attractive economies for investments in Europe“ – says Rolandas Valiūnas, „Investors‘ Forum“ chairman of the Board.

Representatives of the association stresses, that in order to grasp this opportunity to its fullest, Lithuanian Government should immediately implement other measures to stimulate investments into Lithuania. „After we hear the good news from Brussels, we should not get caught up in the moment. Lithuanian investment climate needs immediate changes to its taxation system, better labor regulation and more effective measures in the fight with the shadow economy. By attacking these issues with no hesitation Lithuanian Government would send an even stronger message to potential investors that Lithuania is the place to inves“ – pažymi Rūta Skyrienė, „Investors‘ Forum“ executive director.

According to investors, „Sodra“ and country‘s taxation system reforms would significantly increase Lithuania‘s international competitiveness. In order to more efficiently fight with the shadow economy, a general real estate tax could be one of the solutions. Investors claim that it is essential to stop the black market turnover in construction sector through established real estate.

Investors Confidence Index for Lithuania research supported the above mentioned claims. After surveying 56 foreign capital companies operating in Lithuania it became clear that 80 per cent of foreign investors name labor regulation as one the areas in the biggest need of attention. 72 and 74 percent indicate taxation system and the level of transparency in the country to be in need of improvement, respectively.