Minister Edvinas Grikšas is on a working visit to Stockholm to participate in the Lithuanian, Swedish and Ukrainian defence industry forum

The Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Edvinas Grikšas, is visiting Stockholm to meet with leaders of the Swedish defence industry, investors, and government representatives. Much attention is also being paid to trilateral cooperation between Lithuania, Sweden and Ukraine during the visit, with the aim of strengthening regional security, supporting the resilience of Ukraine's defence industry and developing joint projects in the field of high technology.

'Sweden is renowned for its cutting-edge defence and technology solutions, making cooperation with its companies and institutions of strategic importance to Lithuania. Our goal is to expand dialogue and pave the way for projects that will strengthen Lithuania's technological and industrial base. We see great potential for attracting high-value investments, increasing Lithuanian companies' involvement in international supply chains and creating solutions that will determine our country's competitiveness and technological progress,' says the Minister of the Economy and Innovation E. Grikšas.

At the start of the visit, he is scheduled to meet with the management of the SAAB Group to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the defence industry, innovation, and technological solutions, as well as the involvement of Lithuanian companies in international supply chains and potential joint projects.

Later, a meeting is planned with Benjamin Dousa, the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. During this meeting, priorities for economic cooperation, investment attraction, export opportunities and strengthening the partnership between Lithuania and Sweden will be discussed.

A key event of the day will be the trilateral Lithuanian, Swedish and Ukrainian defence industry forum, which is being organised jointly by the Lithuanian Embassy in Sweden, the Swedish Security and Defence Association (SOFF) and the Ukrainian Embassy in Stockholm. During the event, E. Grikšas will take part in a discussion about European security, support for Ukraine, and the development of the defence industry. The Lithuanian, Swedish and Ukrainian defence industry associations will also sign memoranda of cooperation during the event, with the aim of strengthening industrial cooperation and ensuring the faster development of joint projects.

Following the forum, the minister will visit the Ericsson Imagine Studio to discuss critical communications systems, 5G technologies, mission-critical networks and cybersecurity solutions. The opportunities for Lithuania to integrate into international high-tech supply chains will also be discussed.

A meeting with Lithuanian businesses operating in Sweden and the Lithuanian professional community is also planned during the visit, focusing on export prospects, the investment environment, and strengthening cooperation.