[Comprehensive report of this newspaper]The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released statistics on the 18th, pointing out that Lithuania’s export trade volume of goods in the first quarter of this year increased by 35.7% compared with the same period last year, of which exports to Taiwan increased by 63%. On the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the results of cooperation with Taiwan are highlighted, and the flag of the Republic of China is placed in a prominent position.
According to statistics from the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the export trade of goods originating in Lithuania totaled 6.3 billion euros from January to March this year, an increase of 35.7% over the same period last year. Lithuania’s main export markets in Europe include Latvia, Germany and Poland; among them, exports to Germany increased by more than 30%, and exports to Poland tripled.
Total exports of Lithuanian goods to the Indo-Pacific region also saw significant growth, including a 120% increase in Singapore (78 million euros in total), almost 180% in Australia (41 million euros in total), a 101% increase in South Korea (30.7 million euros in total), and Taiwan grew by 63% (total about 59 million euros).
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania mentioned that the United States jumped to Lithuania’s top three export markets for the first time last year, and the first quarter of this year’s exports to the United States increased by 25% compared with the same period last year.
Last year, Lithuania was the first to withdraw from the 17+1 interaction mechanism between China and Central and Eastern European countries and allowed Taiwan to set up a representative office in the name of “Taiwan” in the capital Vilnius. And try to block any goods whose supply chain covers Lithuania.
Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis pointed out that Lithuania’s export trade data for this quarter showed that the government’s policy of diversifying its export markets and developing cooperation with “like-minded partners” was effective. The government’s economic and trade diplomacy team will continue to assist the industry in the Open up new markets around the world.
Lithuania’s multi-party ruling team, which took office in December 2020, is committed to expanding and deepening relations with the Indo-Pacific region. In addition to the establishment of new embassies in Australia, South Korea and Singapore, an economic and trade office in Taiwan is also expected to be unveiled this year.
However, there are still political forces in Lithuania who question the government’s development of relations with Taiwan “more than the gains”. Lance Burgess was questioned again by lawmakers in Congress recently about the specific effects of developing relations with Taiwan.
On the other hand, a recent media report in Lithuania said that Taiwan refused to buy Liguo grains, which disappointed the industry’s expectations of opening up new markets. Officials from both Taiwan and China have pointed out that the relevant reports are inconsistent with the facts. 2022/5/19