On 24 November, the second meeting of the Lithuania–United Arab Emirates (UAE) Business Council and the Lithuania–UAE Business Forum took place in Vilnius. The event aimed to present Lithuania’s economic potential and to expand opportunities for cooperation between the Association of Lithuanian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts and the UAE Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
A delegation from the UAE took part in the visit, including representatives of the UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry, members of the Lithuania–UAE Business Council, and business leaders exploring opportunities in the Lithuanian market. The delegation was led by H.E. Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, the Vice-Chairman of the UAE Chambers Federation, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of the Lithuania–UAE Business Council.
This visit continued the initiative launched during the first Lithuania–UAE Business Council meeting held in April 2024 in Dubai. In Vilnius, the delegation was welcomed by the President of the Association of Lithuanian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, Sigitas Gailiūnas, who expressed satisfaction regarding the delegation’s visit and the deepening of bilateral economic ties.
During the main Council meeting, participants discussed the future priorities of the Council’s activities and concrete steps planned for the near future. The head of the UAE delegation highlighted Lithuania’s strong industrial base and talented workforce. One of the key cooperation directions will be the presentation of Lithuanian industry and talent at international exhibitions hosted in the UAE. He also emphasized the importance of convenient connectivity, noting that direct flights would significantly facilitate and stimulate business cooperation.
Lithuanian representatives confirmed that direct flights between Lithuania and the UAE are planned three times per week, a development expected to contribute meaningfully to the Council’s strategic objectives.
The Chairman of the Lithuania–UAE Business Council, Vidas Butkus, underscored that the Lithuanian side values the opportunity for dialogue and is ready for constructive cooperation. According to him, such meetings create a solid foundation for setting shared priorities and ensuring long‑term, productive bilateral relations.
He also outlined the Council’s main areas of activity, including: establishing direct links with institutions in the UAE—from local organizations and clusters to national agencies and ministries; promoting the exchange of trade and investment information; and actively organizing trade missions.
The two countries intend to strengthen cooperation across trade, investment, services, and industry, while also fostering a deeper mutual understanding of business environments and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. Joint seminars, forums, business matchmaking events, and other formats will be used to create favorable conditions for trade, export, and new business initiatives.
Trade relations between Lithuania and the UAE have been steadily growing each year. Expanding economic cooperation continues to open new opportunities for businesses in both countries, creating a strong basis for further growth of bilateral trade and the development of long‑term partnerships.
