Best in Lithuania #14

Lietuvos pramoninink킬 konfederacija Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists

Nr. 2 (14) 2011

Magazine about business, science and culture leaders in Lithuania

United Kingdom and Lithuania: economic relations www.BESTinLT.lt

LEXUS CT 200h

WORLD'S FIRST HYBRID LUXURY COMPACT The Lexus CT 200h is the first car of its kind in the world, which proves that compactness does not rule out luxury, that sportiness does not always mean high fuel consumption and, that hybrid does not necessarily impose lack of spaciousness.

Get to know the newest member of the Lexus hybrid family and book a test drive at

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Keep your eyes on the Lexus Lietuva Facebook page as well!

AUTOTOJA LEXUS KAUNAS, Savanorių pr. 447a, Kaunas, tel. (8 37) 40 80 33 MOTOTOJA LEXUS VILNIUS, Ukmergės g. 425, Vilnius, tel. (8 5) 235 6050 The Lexus CT 200h has a combined fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100 km. Combined CO2 emissions: 87 g/km.

87 g

3,8 l

CO2 / km

/ 100 km

Dear readers, At least we can knock to yours hearts and minds presenting our beautiful country Lithuania. First of all we would like to remind, that the United Kingdom is an important partner for Lithuania within the European Union and NATO. This year Lithuania is celebrating 20th anniversary of reestablishment of Lithuania’s – United Kingdom diplomatic relations. We are tied together not only by our shared values and goals in Euro-Atlantic structures, but also by one of the largest Lithuanian communities abroad. The dialogue with the United Kingdom and the development of our political, economic and cultural relations are among the key goals of our foreign policy. Lithuania‘s Presidency of the EU in second half of 2013 will also provide an excellent occasion to present ourselves for wider UK public, increase awareness about Lithuania and strengthen our political, economic and cultural ties.

How says our ambassador in the UK Dr. Oskaras Jusius, Lithuania as a country has a captivating combination of Scandinavian quality and Baltic‘s dynamism. Due to sound economic and financial policies Lithuania has become one of the economic recovery leaders in Europe.

Excellent infrastructure and business environment have allowed to create good conditions for industrial and scientific developments, to prepare world leading physicists, to achieve global leadership in mobile technologies and high speed fiber broadband.

Lithuania and the UK trade balance was positive last years. Import from the United Kingdom was 48,8 million Euros and export to UK was 141,5 million Euros at the beginning of the 2011 year. Lithuanian exports to UK grew by 50 per cent last year. There are many UK

Magazine „Best in Lithuania“ Nr. 2 (14), 2011 Address: Public Enterprise „Kultūros horizontai“ M.Mažvydo str. 9-19, LT-06256 Vilnius Tel. +370 615 83361 E-mail: rimvidas@khorizontai.lt www.bestinlt.lt

companies who have invested in Lithuania, for example ‘Barclays’.

More good examples of business and products you will find in our magazine. Maybe some of you will find a field for investment. If not, you can visit our country and have a good rest and new impressions.

Lithuania is a land of rich history, arts and culture, still living old traditions, and a little bit withdrawn, but friendly and hospitable people.

The beauty of our country is created by nice landscapes, woods, lakes and rivers, and a very unique seaside. Towns and cities reminds old and noble history of Lithuania - baroque crown of Vilnius, the capital, free spirit of Interwar in Kaunas, German style in Klaipėda port and much more historical towns, villages and places.

It’s a nice place to have a rest in countryside farmsteads. Also water tourism is a very good option for the tourists. Anyone looking to get familiar with nature and unique culture - Lithuania is going to be a perfect destination.

Lithuania has quite a few traditional dishes and drinks and holds a good name for good taste, which stands out from Baltic region and Scandinavia.

It is difficult to talk about Lithuania without mentioning basketball which is the most popular game in the country. So, is a good occasion to visit our country this year in European Basketball Championship.

You are welcome!

Sincerely, the Editorial Staff of „Best in Lithuania“

Editor Photographer Advertising manager Writers

Designer

Rimvidas Stankevičius Gediminas Miškinis Stasė Overaitė Ligita Šoliūnienė, Viktorija Balsevičiūtė Lina Šiškutė

The editorial office is not responsible for the contens of advertisements | 3

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Foreword by Andrius Kubilius, Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania

Lithuania prepares for European leadership in 2013

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Egidijus Meilūnas, Viceminister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania

Skanaus!

Bon The strengthening of economic relations is appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятн Poftăinbună!

Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your m a key goal of the British Embassy Lithuania

Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетит Stephen Conlon, Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus Chargé d’affaires of British Embassy in Lithuania

¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună!

Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡B ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Do ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫באתב‬ Ambassador Oskaras Jusys: Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruok olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ we have built solid and trustful relations Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afi Dr. Oskaras JUSYS , H.E. Ambassador of the étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apeti Republic of Lithuania to United Kingdom of Great Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó é Britain and Northern Ireland your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smaczneg аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! En Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятн Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your m Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетит Our main goals are export promotion, attraction Eet smakelijk!

Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus of investment, research and development and ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! cooperation between universities Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡B Sigitas MITKUS , Minister Counsellor of the Embassy ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Do of the Republic of Lithuania in London ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫באתב‬ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruok olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afi étvágyat! your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apeti When Great Britain is mentioned now,Enjoy I think, Приятного аппетита! first of all, about the Olympic Games in London Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó é your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smaczneg Gintaras Morkis, Deputy Director General аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! En Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятн Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your m Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетит Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus Lithuanian food exporters ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună!

Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡B association (LitMea) ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Do ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫באתב‬ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruok olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afi The value of "Liūtukas ir Ko" étvágyat!

Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apeti in Europe grows Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó é your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smaczneg аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! En Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятн Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your m

Content

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The taste of wine based on the old traditions

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The time for tasting and appreciating

"Anykščių Vynas", AB

"Žemaitijos pienas", AB

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Breweries of Aukštaitija – the home of Lithuanian “amber gold” "Aukštaitijos bravorai", UAB

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"Megrame export" windows for the world

Furniture from SBA is attractive, ergonomic and made of natural materials SBA Furniture Company

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"Alseka", UAB

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New challenges faced by "Jūrės medis"

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Technical flexibility serving your photonics needs!

EKSMA OPTICS

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Leading chimney manufacturer in the Baltic States "Vilpros pramonė", UAB

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The objects set by "Hoda" , UAB encourage its advancement

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"Orion Global Pet", JSC

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"AD REM TRANSPORT": MORE THAN FORWARDING AD REM GRUPĖ

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A new modern logistics terminal: more high quality services to customers "Transimeksa", UAB

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"Kauno energetikos remontas": high quality today – the guarantor for success tomorrow

BIS: values are the most important "Baltic Information Systems"

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Substation commissioning for your successful project

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"Eugensa": solutions for industry and commerce

"Aedilis", UAB

JSC "Eugensa"

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"Gariūnai" – the renovated modern business park

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The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius: Hidden Gold of Lithuania’s Past?

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Cross-Crafting tells the stories

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Painter Vytautas Tomaševičius

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Feltmaker and fiber artist Žavinta

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Art gallery "Mažoji galerija" presents Stas Chailov

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Museum of Energy and Technology in Vilnius

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The Bohemians company without tabu

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Spring in Vilnius Spring Icograda Design Week in Vilnius 2011

Travelling Letters Delegates of Icograda Regional Meeting in front of Vilnius Academy of Arts

Spring in Vilnius 110

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Aleksandras Šimelis.

Conductor, composer, pianist

Spring 2011 was very special for design community in Lithuania. Lithuanian Graphic Design Association (LGDA) had a great honour to host “Spring: Icograda Design Week in Vilnius 2011”, This prestigious event was organized

by Icograda and LGDA in partnership with Design Innovations Centre (DIC) of Vilnius Academy of Arts (VAA).

Through the theme of “Spring”, Icograda

Design Week in Vilnius 2011 explored design as a powerful process that transitions ideas into functional realities.

Icograda Design Week started with Icograda Executive Board meeting. After was Icograda Regional meeting, openings of exhibitions and two days International Conference with 12 speakers, coming from different countries of Europe, USA, Canada and guests from all continents of the World.

Arvydas Malcys. The acoustic visions

Spring: Icograda Design Week in Vilnius 2011. International Conference at Vilnius Academy of Arts

President of LGDA G. Lašas, Mayor of Vilnius A. Zuokas, President of Icograda R. Kennedy during reception at Vilnius City Hall

As part of Spring: Icograda Design Week in Vilnius, the Icograda Executive Board met with the Minister of Education and Science, Gintaras Steponavičius, and Minister of Economy, Rimantas Žylius.

The meeting was an opportunity to brief the government representatives on Icograda’s current initiatives, including the World Design Survey, and to examine how closer collaboration could enhance opportunities for Lithuanian creative industries. Discussion topics included how Icograda’s international network of more than 80 educational institutions could offer a platform for exchange and cooperation. Following the meeting, both Ministers delivered opening remarks at the International Conference.

This exciting week, came to a close with the ED Awards (European Design Awards) – a significant event for all of us. It was first time 7 internatioin history to have such important nal design events in Vilnius.

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Ladies and Gentlemen, This autumn, Lithuania will be celebrating the two decades of the restoration of the diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Lithuania. The anniversary of the restoration of the diplomatic relations provides a great opportunity to move towards greater proximity between our states and encourage the citizens of Lithuania and the UK to benefit from the emerging opportunities for cooperation. We wish to bring to as many people as possible in the UK and Lithuania the message about the success of our cooperation in many fields, such as trade and business, science, art and culture, including the Nordic-Baltic cooperation. Lithuania and the UK have shared common Euro-Atlantic values and common practices in the EU and NATO. Never having officially recognized Lithuania’s occupation, the United Kingdom was among the first states to restore diplomatic relations with Lithuania in August 1991. The UK’s decision to recognize the independence of Lithuania and to restore its diplomatic relations undoubtedly had a great value for Lithuania as it aspired to return back to the international community twenty years ago.

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During this period, the UK and Lithuania have developed a solid framework of understanding and friendliness. This partnership and mutual understanding have served the basis not only for the institutional cooperation between our two countries, but also for the relations between ordinary people, cultural activists, scientists, and businesses of Lithuania and the UK.

the UK, and we wish all of them every success. Naturally, we take great pride in the arrival of world-famous companies such as Barclays, Euromonitor, Albright International, AutoLogic, Aviva, AstraZeneca, PricewaterhouseCoopers, GlaxoSmithKline, Marks&Spencer, the Ener-G Holdings, Lime Microsystems and many others.

Our countries have been brought closer by a numerous Lithuanian community having settled in the UK. We, in our turn, cannot boast of that many British people permanently residing and working in Lithuania. But it has not always been so. Historical sources witness a substantial emigration of the UK population to Lithuania in 1795. One of the underlying reasons for that was religious persecution. The wave of the Scottish immigration in Kėdainiai (then governed by a noble Radziwill family, ardent Calvinists) began in 1640, when Calvinists were given hard time in Scotland and England.

The Scots are credited for their contribution to the construction of the Calvinist Church in Kėdainiai. Even nowadays, some houses in Kėdainiai are called “Scottish homes.” And one Scottish man, George Anderson, was even elected mayor of Kėdainiai in 1660. It can be claimed thus that migration for economic and ideological reasons was one of the factors at the heart of closer relations between our peoples and the states.

Lithuania has a successfully running British Chamber of Commerce which has been very energetic in promoting bilateral economic relations between Lithuania and the UK, and developing the network of relevant business contacts.

Lately, we have been working hard to make Lithuania an attractive destination for direct investments and we are very happy that our policies have also helped to increase the number of investors from the UK. We are delighted to have 153 currently registered investors from

We see a great prospect and a lot of untapped potential in the proposal put forward by the Prime Minister of the UK David Cameron as regards the comprehensive and targeted cooperation between heads of governments as well as businesses, politicians and scientists of the UK, Nordic (Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland) and Baltic (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) states.

The last two decades have seen the development of very close relations between Lithuania and the UK. We very much appreciate UK’s efforts in assisting independent Lithuania and its people.

May I wish everyone all the best in their future endeavours.

Sincerely, Andrius Kubilius, Prime Minister

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Lithuania prepares for European leadership in 2013 Egidijus Meilūnas, Viceminister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania

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2013 is the year when Lithuania will hold its first European Union Presidency. This upcoming occasion will draw increased attention to our country, our people and the way we see and understand the world. It is one of the biggest opportunities to present ourselves and one of the biggest challenges of the years to come. But today we send a clear message – the scope of this task is clear and we are ready to move forward for the benefit of all Europe.

Determined and very effective

The first EU Presidency has always been a very complex job for each Member State of the European Union. Numerous political and cultural events at home as well as abroad, presiding over 260 preparatory working groups and high level meetings, great political responsibility and the necessity to act productively in all the complicated EU institutional setup – the task might seem to be particularly complicated.

At the start of the recent financial and economic crisis, Lithuania was predicted to experience a long and depressing recession. However, with determination and timely solutions, we have passed this hard test successfully and even managed to attract solid foreign investments, such as the British banking group “Barclays”, at a time when investors had become extremely cautious. This year, according to predictions by foreign banks the Lithuanian

Lithuania has a great history of overcoming difficult challenges. During the centuries, our nation not only survived the onslaught of crusaders and invasions by neighboring empires, by using smart diplomacy and negotiation tactics, we managed to create a multicultural Lithuanian Grand Duchy, once the biggest country in Europe.

pean Union and should symbolically take off the “rookie’s hat” off Lithuania.

European issues on the agenda By taking over the presidency of the EU, Lithuania will gain the initiative to shape the goals and main tasks of the European political agenda. Lithuanian priorities should be publicly announced right before the start of our EU Presidency. Nevertheless, discussions on what should our goals be have been going on already for a couple of years. The main principle used for choosing the right priorities is the balance between European and national policy.

It is clear today that Lithuania will dedicate its resources and efforts to the strengthening of European energy security. It is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century and a critical necessity for the successful development of all European countries. In 2013, Lithuania will strive to pave the way for a European energy market that is secure, diversified and largely independent of foreign sources.

Viceminister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Mr. Egidijus Meilūnas

economy will grow not less than 6.5% - the fastest in Europe.

All this was achieved due to strong political will, consensus in the society, implementation of austerity measures as well as necessary reforms. Lithuania once again proved to be an efficiently functioning goal-oriented country. During our EU Presidency, we will aim to reaffirm our reputation.

Early start of preparations Good preparation is the key to a successful EU Presidency. That is why Lithuania started preparing years in advance trying to have our Presidency plans as concrete as possible in order to be ready to face any common uncertainties in 2013.

Our recent diplomatic achievements – presidencies of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2011 and the Community of Democracies in 2009-2011 have both strengthened our diplomatic activity on the global stage and have also in many ways served as a good rehearsal before the upcoming EU Presidency.

We expect that our well prepared first Presidency of the EU will strengthen our positions in the Euro-

A second crucial element of our set of priorities will be the protection of outer EU borders and improved migration control. In the modern world, people, services and goods move almost freely stimulating economic growth on a global scale. But these tendencies have also strengthened international organized crime networks because of increased smuggling, weapon or even human trade. With better border control and more intensive cooperation in justice and home affairs, Europe will gain maximum benefits from the globalized economy and secure internal order and welfare for its citizens.

Having great experience in regional political affairs Lithuania will also try to improve the functioning of the Baltic Sea Strategy and Eastern Neighborhood Policy – two political instruments to intensify regional cooperation and create a space of stability and prosperity in Northern and Eastern Europe.

Reliable partnership Successful implementation of European Union Presidency priorities lies in the cooperation of all 27 EU member states. That is why the president always takes over the role of a negotiator. Reliable and thus efficient mediation is going to be the main principle of our EU Presidency. In 2013, we will employ all our diplomatic wisdom and know-how to find solutions which would suit the needs of all EU member states.

Lithuanian EU Presidency holds the promise of a trustworthy partnership to the benefit of Europe.

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The landscape of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania

The strengthening of economic relations is a key goal of the British Embassy in Lithuania The United Kingdom is an important partner for Lithuania within the European

Union and NATO. We are tied together not only by our shared values and goals in Euro-Atlantic structures, but also by one of the largest Lithuanian communities abroad. The dialogue with the United Kingdom and the development of our

political, economic and cultural relations are among the key goals of our foreign policy. About economic situation, relations and future, we are talking with the Chargé d’affaires of British Embassy in Lithuania Mr. Stephen Conlon.

BiL How to strengthen the economic relationship between UK and Lithuania and how effectively promote business relations between these two countries?

S. Conlon: The strengthening of economic relations between the UK and Lithuania is a key goal of the British Embassy in Lithuania. When the British Foreign Secretary, William Hague MP, was appointed, he made one of the Foreign Office’s three priorities the prosperity of the United Kingdom. He said that British foreign policy needs to support the UK economy to a greater degree if we are to ensure our economic recovery and long-term growth for the future.

As a result we have focused our work on this priority. Every time, Ministers from the UK meet their Lithuanian opposite numbers, they are discussing commercial and economic issues. For example, in January, the Lithuanian Prime Minister, Andrius Kubilius, visited London alongside 7 other leaders from the Nordic Baltic region, to discuss how we can share ideas to get the economies of Europe more competitive and recover 14 |

from the recent economic downturn.

One area identified for growth is through low carbon green technology, which will help reduce energy costs as well as make Europe much more energy secure. Mr Kubilius has visited London several times to meet financial leaders in the City and meet potential investors.

We also have a team in the Embassy working solely on strengthening the economic relationship between our two countries – the UK Trade & Investment team – are helping on a daily basis UK companies who wish to export to Lithuania and Lithuanian companies wanting to invest into the UK. BiL Lithuanian import from the United Kingdom was 166.2 million Litas ( 48.8 million Euros) and export to UK is 481.2 million Litas (141.5 million Euros) at the beginning of the 2011 year. Could you describe the biggest English enterprises, invested in Lithuania, and opposite, which Lithuanian business was successfully invested in UK market?

S. Conlon: There are many UK companies who have invested in Lithuania and are thriving. ‘Barclays’ is a wellknown investment but there are many others: ‘Aviva’ and ‘Lietuvos Draudimas’ providing insurance and financial services; ‘Ener-G’ who have a plant here producing electricity from landfill gases; and ‘Camira Fabrics’ producing a wide range of fabrics here including those used on the Eurostar.

In the UK, there are several Lithuanian investors ranging from very recent investors such as ‘Reenpro” to companies who are now well-established such as ‘Lituanica’, who have seven shops across Great Britain, supplying Lithuanian food and delicacies.

BiL Could you mention some business missions or events, workshops, which will be hold this year to promote partnerships between two countries business firms or organizations. In your opinion, how to support distribution of experience from the UK? What is the best mechanism to provide fun-

Stephen Conlon, Chargé d’affaires a.i., Her Majesty’s Consul

damental information which is vital to business start ups and developing companies?

S. Conlon: UK Trade & Investment and the British Chamber of Commerce organize many events where companies from Lithuania and the UK can meet and network. Companies interested in such events can visit either the UKTI website – www.uktradeinvest. gov.uk or the Chamber’s website www. bccl.lt for more information. There are two forthcoming events in Lithuania where UK companies will be present – one is a trade mission from Northern Ireland who will be coming in September and the other is the Association of Independent Tour Operators (UK) will be holding their conference in Vilnius in June.

BiL What do you think, what kind of business could have a success in the United Kingdom: construction, property development, transport & logistics, manufacturing and other business fields? What could

you suggest to our country business community?

S. Conlon: The UK is a very open business environment and I think all businesses could be successful in the UK. The UK provides the best environment for companies to grow in and is the ideal location from which companies can realize their international business potential. The UK provides a unique gateway of international connections, is a recognized leader in the fields of creativity and innovation and is the sixth largest economy in the world.

According to the ‘Doing Business 2010’ report from the World Bank, the UK is the best place to do business in the EU and the G8 countries.

The UK has long punched above its weight in terms of innovations and ideas. The inquisitive minds of the UK have produced the telephone, the steam engine, penicillin, the iPod, Viagra, the electric toaster, the lawnmower and the world wide web just to name a few. The UK has world-class

universities and its engineering expertise is world-renowned.

BiL How strong are cooperating Lithuania and British governmental and non governmental business organizations? In your opinion, how to support business exposure and development?

I am pleased to say that there is very strong co-operation between Lithuanian and British governmental and nongovernmental business organizations.

For example, some staff from Enterprise Lithuania visited UK Trade and Investment headquarters to see how they work and to share experiences.

S. Conlon: In the UK, we support businesses through UK Trade and Investment, encouraging them to export overseas as this will help their business grow and develop. We also work in the EU to ensure that the regulatory burden on businesses is reduced and unrealistic bureaucratic demands are not placed on Small and Medium Enterprises. | 15

Ambassador Oskaras Jusys: we have built solid and trustful relations Photo: Ms Džoja Gunda Barysaitė

BiL Can you briefly evaluate political and economic outlook for cooperation between Lithuania and the United Kingdom?

O. Jusys: During these years, we have built solid and trustful relations with the United Kingdom based on common values. We are members of NATO and the European Union, our soldiers are serving in Afghanistan, we are implementing sound fiscal and budgetary policies. Economic growth, based on knowledge and innovation, is our common priority.

The UK Nordic Baltic Summit hosted by UK Prime Minister David Cameron earlier this year proved that there are many things we could learn from each other. I strongly believe that strengthened cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries and the UK will be a good basis for future work of our state institutions, businesses and relations between our societies.

Lithuania’s Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2013 will also provide an excellent opportunity to present ourselves for the wider UK public, increase awareness about Lithuania and strengthen our political, economic and cultural ties.

H.E. Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Dr. Oskaras JUSYS

This year Lithuania is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Dr. Oskaras Jusys has made a short overview of the relations between the two countries.

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BiL One of the Embassy’s objectives is to spread information about Lithuania. Why would the British visit our country and do business there?

O. Jusys: I say to Britons that Lithuania as a country has a captivating combination of Scandinavian quality and Baltic dynamism. Due to sound economic and financial policies, Lithuania has become one of the economic recovery leaders in Europe. Excellent infrastructure and business environment have created good conditions for industrial and scientific developments, prepared worldwide leading physicists, achieved global leadership in mobile technologies and high speed fibre broadband. The biggest asset of Lithuania, however, is its people who are ambitious and hardworking. More than 40 per cent of Lithuanians have higher education and more than 50 per cent

Photo: John Stillwell/ Press Association Images

Ambassador Oskaras Jusys presented his Credentials to Her Majesty The Queen on 23 June 2009

of them speak at least two foreign languages.

Lithuanians are proud of the glorious past of their state, i.e. Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The capital City Vilnius has always been an important spiritual and cultural centre for the Lithuanians, Poles, Jews, Karaites, Tartars, and Belarusians - anyone can find a trace of their history there. Vilnius has high quality contemporary culture institutions for visual arts, music, and especially theatre. It has its calendar of well-known classic and contemporary music festivals, theatre, jazz festivals, modern dance, films, etc.

Another attractive destination is the Curonian spit, which is almost 50 km long, thin, curved sand-dune spit that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea coast. It is a nature resort of breath-taking beauty, fine sandy beaches, authentic Curonian villages and traditional and organic food.

It is difficult to talk about Lithuania without mentioning basketball which is the most popular game in the country. Some Lithuanians even joke that basketball is more than a game in Lithuania – it is almost a kind of religion! I firmly believe that 2011 European Basketball Championship hosted by Lithuania will be remembered as one of the greatest sports events in Europe.

Finally, the opening of new premises of Lithuanian Embassy will not only enable us to prove the quality of consular services for our citizens, but also will provide with much needed space for business networking, conferences, cultural events and much more. You may be aware, that our diplomatic mission has been in the UK for nearly a century and I am convinced that the investment made into new premises will soon generate greater return. The new address of the Embassy is Lithuania House, 2 Bessborough Gardens, London SW1.

BiL What would be the prospects for future UK – Lithuania’s economic cooperation?

O. Jusys: We have a lot to offer for the UK businesses - educated people, strong manufacturing sector, traditions in research and development and, most important, our Government’s positive attitude towards foreign direct investments. In order to be competitive, we have to be open- minded and flexible.

As a result, Barclays ICT, Western Union, Computer Science Corporation and others have recently decided to establish their Shared Services Centres or Back Offices in Lithuania.

It should be noted that according to fDi Intelligence report published by the Financial Times Business magazine, Lithuania has become a leader in attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) in Europe with the increase in FDI flows by 52 per cent in 2010. We would like to encourage UK companies to be more active in the Baltic Region and to see UK moving upwards in the list of both investment and export partners. In order to achieve this objective, we actively work with all relevant UK institutions and business organizations, Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce in the UK, Lithuanian London City Club, Lithuanian Honorary Consuls in the UK, etc.

We are particularly keen to cooperate in sectors where we have expertise and traditions, such as research and development, energy, ICT, financial services, transport, biotechnology, food-processing, furniture or textile industry. It is also worth mentioning that having vast experience in working in the Eastern European markets Lithuania is an ideal hub for UK companies going further to the East. Therefore, Lithuanian companies are ready to do business together with UK partners in the Eastern Europe.

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Our main goals are export promotion, attraction of investment, research and development and cooperation between universities

Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in London Mr. Sigitas MITKUS

The economic relations between Lithuania and the United Kingdom have been increasingly growing stronger. During the last couple of years, Lithuanian exports to the UK grew by 50 per cent. Mr Sigitas MITKUS, Minister Counselor of the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has kindly agreed to share his thoughts on perspectives of British-Lithuanian economic cooperation.

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BiL Could you please specify Lithuanian products which have found their customers in the UK as well as sectors which are the most attractive for the investors both from UK to Lithuania and vice versa?

S. Mitkus: In the recent years, cooperation between Lithuania and the United Kingdom has increased significantly on the political and business levels. Our politicians and experts meet regularly, UK has become the No 1 destination for Lithuanian students, and Lithuanian exports to UK grew by 50 per cent.

Since 2004, Lithuania has had a positive trade balance with the UK. It is worth mentioning that during last year Lithuanian exports have exceeded its imports by three times. The most popular Lithuanian goods in the UK are mineral and chemical products, plastics, wood and furniture, textile and foodstuffs.

In 2010, our exports of chemical products (mainly fertilizers) increased by 60 per cent, electrical appliances and equipment by 23 per cent, plastic products by 28 per cent.

Therefore, if a Briton wants to change the windows or buy surimi, these Lithuanian products will be easily accessible on the British market.

Attraction of British Investment to Lithuania is one of the key priorities of the Lithuanian Government. At the moment, UK is a relatively moderate business partner ranked No. 17 among others. British companies mainly invest to financial services, textile industry, renewable energy, production of electrical appliances and medical equipment sectors within Lithuania. In comparison, Lithuanians invest into financial and transport sectors within the UK. We are ready to talk to anyone who has serious investment plans and are able to prove

that Lithuanians are the most hard-working, open-minded and flexible business partners.

BiL What would be the future priorities for the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the UK? S. Mitkus: Our priorities are determined by economic, political and social development trends worldwide. The Lithuanian Embassy in London, above all, promotes export and the attraction of foreign investment, setting priorities on manufacturing, services and R&D sectors. In order to achieve these goals, we encourage cooperation between British and Lithuanian state agencies, business organizations and universities as well as actively involve Lithuanian Honorary consuls.

I am glad that the newly introduced commercial services provided by Embassy‘s Commercial attachĂŠ and aimed at companies willing to introduce Lithuanian products to the UK are becoming increasingly popular. I believe that a series of investment seminars for British businessmen across the major UK cities will contribute to Lithuania becoming a foreign direct investment leader within the Baltic region.

Research and innovation is another area which could provide a very good opportunity for bilateral cooperation. In the past couple of years, five new technology and innovation centers have been established within Lithuania. Our task is to help them building and expanding mutual beneficial relations with their counterparts within the UK. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage British and Lithuanian companies to contact the Lithuanian Embassy in London. Our extensive support will definitely be a good starting point for exploring opportunities and doing business together.

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Kaunas, the secondlargest city in Lithuania Kaunas

When Great Britain is mentioned now, I think, first of all, about the Olympic Games in London.

I plan to go there because the Olympic Games arranged in a comparatively near land is an extraordinary event that hardly may repeat in the nearest future...

arranged a number of relevant events in Lithuania and business missions to Great Britain. Members of Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists have a considerable experience in export-related activities.

Yes, now Great Britain seems to be a near land, because abundant Lithuanians reside there: about 100 thousand of them reside in London and its environs and about 250 thousand - in the whole country.

Although the said state has the minimum market control barriers, as compared to other states of the world, an access to its market is not easy and simple.

Usually, it requires a long-term strategy. British companies have a large choice, because many companies worldwidely would like to access British market. High standards are set for the quality of production and its delivery. Lithuanian enterprises produce high quality products; however, marketing is their rather weak spot. It is supposed that only London is fit for searching for partners. Such a supposition is a misleading stereotype. 90 percent of business is located out of London. The British prefer reliable partners. The process of formation of the image of a reliable country is in progress in Lithuania in the meanwhile; however, many Lithuanian enterprises had already proved to be reliable partners.

Economy of Great Britain is the sixth in the world rating. Its market includes 60 million consumers of a purchasing power. So, many Lithuanian enterprises export their production to this country. In the year 2010, export to Great Britain amounted to LTL 2’661.15 million (EUR 770.72 million). After the decline caused by the economic crisis, export to Great Britain revives significantly. Export increased by 48.67 percent, as compared to the year 2009. Nevertheless, Great Britain remains the eighth in the list of export partners of Lithuania.

Investments from this country are expected as well.

Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LCI) keeps good partnership relations with CBI (Confederation of British Industry). Striving to development of bilateral trading relations with Great Britain, LCI

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Gintaras Morkis, Deputy Director General Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists

A major share of Lithuanian export to Great Britain is presented by oil products exported by PKN Orlen Lietuva. "Achema", AB exports a considerable part of its production to Great Britain, too. A number of

Lithuanian enterprises involved in furniture manufacturing according to IKEA orders or unique orders, such as "Aukmergės baldai", "Baldai Jums" and so on, export their production to Great Britain as well. In this sector, a positive role was played by "Christian Harold" enterprise: it produces furniture created by British designers in Lithuania and exports it. Textile enterprise "Garlita", garment enterprises "Kauno Baltija", "Rožė" and "Šatrija" successfully export large volumes of their production to Great Britain for many years.

Companies involved in green power engineering, such as manufacturers of cogeneration gas turbines, wind turbines and solar elements, have good perspectives in the market of Great Britain. Enterprises that create high added value products (such as the ones involved in biotechnologies, IT sector or manufacturing unique products for the market of Great Britain according to orders from the British) have excellent opportunities there as well.

Recently, one of the most successful cases of attraction of investments to Lithuania was establishment of IT Services Center of British "Barclays" Bank in Lithuania. It enabled to employ a considerable number of IT professionals and other specialists. The said event was a result of stirring activities of high ranking state officials concentrated to searching for opportunities of foreign investments in the sphere of high technologies.

In my opinion, the speech of Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius at the recent economic forum of Great Britain and Nordic/Baltic States in London prompted owners of large companies involved in the forum to consider Lithuania a state that strives to progress and is open to innovations.

At present, Great Britain is the 18th in the list of direct foreign investors in Lithuania, although about a hundred of British enterprises invested in Lithuania.

Investments in Lithuanian industry were made by "Vita Baltic International" UAB, "Sofa Brands International" UAB, "HALTEX" UAB, "Albright Lietuva" UAB, "Highlife" UAB, "Camira Fabrics" UAB and so on.

British investments were also made in many smaller enterprises associated with industry and services.

The state-owned enterprise "Investuok Lietuvoje", employees of free economic zones, the Diplomatic Mission of Lithuania in London and Commercial Attaché Andrius Nikitinas are involved in encouraging investments in Lithuania. Recently, heads of a number of companies, such as Mobility City, Alpha Gen, RDF, Jacobs, Wrages, and Winchi, visited Lithuania.

Probably, some of them will decide to invest in Lithuania in the nearest future.

Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists assesses such attempts positively and contributes to development of economical and trading relations with Great Britain by its activities.

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Trakai is a historic city and lake resort in Lithuania

oftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! on appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! et smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! uen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! ober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאת‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää okahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ uten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet sun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! macznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó vágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! риятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy our meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного ппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! kanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! oftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! on appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! ithuanian Food Exporters AssociationAfiyet (LitMEA)olsun! consists of food companies, representing inet smakelijk! Dober tek!

Hyvää ruokahalua!

Jótheétvágyat!

Enjoy your different meal! Skanaus!

Bon appétit! dustrial sectors, both in domestic and foreign markets not holding each others direct competitors and seeuen provecho! ‫ןובאתב‬ ボナペティ Guten Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! ing the possibilities of mutual trustApetit! and cooperation. ober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho!

Mission. To help its members to improve the competitiveness in the foreign markets, bringing together business Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ‫ ןובאת‬ボナペティ opportunities, skills and contacts. okahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Cooperation priorities of the Association members: uten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита!

Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet • Full cooperation during participation in the exhibitions (participation in the Lithuanian and the European sun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal!

Bonin appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ןובאתב‬ ボナペティ Guten Apetit!

Union-funded projects,Skanaus! joint participation exhibitions, information and other assistance to each other); macznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó • Cooperation with Lithuanian institutions, caring about export matters. Participation in joint export provágyat! Enjoy your meal!

Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! motion projects with other associates and business structures. риятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy • Co-operation partners in foreign markets,ボナペティ exchange of mutually beneficial information. our meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit!in finding ¡Buennewprovecho! ‫ןובאתב‬ Guten Apetit!

Smacznego! Приятного ппетита! Poftă bună! • Creation Eet smakelijk!

Dober tools tek!andHyvää ruokahalua!

Afiyet olsun!

Jó étvágyat!

Enjoy your meal! of common marketing joint dissemination of information about the Association members, target partner-oriented search. kanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! oftă bună! Eet smakelijk!

Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus!

Target partners interesting the Association members ‫ןובאתב‬ ボナペティ Guten Apetit!

Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! on appétit! ¡Buen provecho!

• Food product and beverage wholesalers willing to represent the Association members in export markets; • Food product retailers, looking for suppliers and manufacturers for their networks; et smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit!

• Hotel, restaurant and catering (HoReCa) representatives; uen provecho! ‫ •ןובאתב‬Food ボナペティ Gutenwho Apetit!

Smacznego! Приятного Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! product manufacturers are looking for cooperation opportunities with аппетита! other similar producers; • Associations and other business structures, tying the companies involved in similar activities or tying ober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! merchants; ‫ ןובאת‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää • Other companies and individuals having mutually beneficial cooperation proposals. okahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ AchievementsПриятного of Lithuanian Food Exporters Association uten Apetit! Smacznego! аппетита!

Poftă (LitMEA) bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet • Over 300 million euros in annual sales, including about 60 per cent in foreign markets; sun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal!

Bon around appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit!

• Exports to more thanSkanaus!

40 foreign countries the world; • Production export volume growth seeking about 20 per cent. macznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó vágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! риятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy our meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного ппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! kanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! oftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! on appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună!

26 | et smakelijk!

Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! uen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk!

LITHUANIAN FOOD EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION (LitMea) L

! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanau !Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bun !Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua!

Afiyet olsun! Jó Enjoyofyour “Acorus Calamus” is innovative and étvágyat! modern manufacturer tea meal! Skanaus! Bon appét and herbal productsSmacznego! since 1995, holding approximatelyаппетита!

60% of Apetit! Приятного Poftă bună! Eet smakeli !¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten the national market, offers wide range of 100% natural products !Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provech for wellness, daily usage and healing: tea (herbal, fruit, black, ä‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! аппетита! bună!

Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyv green), herbalПриятного capsules, lozenges, syrups. The Poftă company meets all the EU production requirements: holds a license of pharmaceuィruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal!

Skanaus!

Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペテ ticals manufacture, has introduced the “GMP” quality managetGuten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiy ment system, owns quality testing laboratory. “Herb experts” is !olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus!

Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apet the slogan and the goal of everyday activity. óSmacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua!

Afiyet olsun! www.acorus.lt !étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smaczneg yПриятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet“Biržų smakelijk! tek!

Hyvää Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enj duona” isDober one of the oldest, bigestruokahalua! and most advanced Lithuanian capital bread bakeries established in 1953 in Biržai, оyour meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ןובאתב‬ ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятно Lithuania. The company is high evaluated as a producer of rye !аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! bread.

Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your me Also produces 100% rye breads, rye-wheat breads, wheat !Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ןובאתב‬ ボナペティ Приятного аппетит breads, long loafs, bread sticks (it.Guten Grissini),Apetit! croissants,Smacznego! pies, donuts, cookies and puddings. duona” and !Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek!buns, Hyvää ruokahalua!

Afiyet“Biržų olsun!

Jóbakes étvágyat!

Enjoy your meal! Skanau delivers products to customers every single day.

The company !Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bun provides and partly baked frozen production which realization !Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appét term is up toAfiyet 18 months. !¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakeli www.birzuduona.lt !Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provech ä‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyv JSC “Boslita” ir Ko is a producer of sparkling wine and wine ィruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペテ beverages. The company was established in 1997 in Kaunas, tGuten Apetit! Smacznego! ПриятногоLithuania. аппетита! bună!

Eet smakelijk!

Dober It hasPoftă an exclusive right to use famous Italian wine tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiy producer’s “Bosca” and recipes. !olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus!

Bontrademark, appétit!production ¡Buen technology provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apet “Bosca Anniversary” is the most popular product of the company. óSmacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun!

“Boslita” ir Ko exports it‘s production to Latvia, Estonia, Russia, !étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smaczneg Ukraine, Poland, Ireland, United Kingdom and USA. yПриятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enj оyour meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! www.boslita.lt Приятно !аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! JSC Dober tek!wasHyvää ruokahalua!

Afiyet olsun!

“Danvita” established in 1994 as a family bakery and is Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your me located in the town of Zarasai.

Currently, we employ 65 people. !Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетит 2001 we started baking bagels and crisp-rings; in 2005, we !Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek!InHyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanau introduced flat crisp bread line; and in 2007, we introduced a new ボナペティ Apetit!

Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bun !Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬assortment of rusksGuten and biscotti.

Currently, our main production lines comprises the assortment of bagels, rusks, biscotti andyour flat meal! Skanaus! Bon appét Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat!

Enjoy !Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! crisp bread.

Our products are known under “Riduto” name.

We !¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit!

Smacznego! Приятного аппетита!

Poftă bună! Eet smakeli also have experience in making products for externally owned !Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun!

Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provech brand names. To ensure high hygiene and food safety standards, ä‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного Poftă bună!

Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyv we have installed and certified аппетита! our company under following food safety programs - ISO 22000:2005 BRC (issue 5). ¡Buen provecho! your meal!

Skanaus!andBon appétit! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペテ ィruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy www.danvita.lt tGuten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiy The main activity our company is theprovecho! production of ‫ןובאתב‬ groats !olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus!

Bonofappétit! ¡Buen ボナペティ Guten Apet and flakes; we produce organic compound feed and are engaged óSmacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! in its retailing and wholesaling. We can also provide packaging, !étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ןובאתב‬ Guten Apetit! Smaczneg logistics, and grain storage services. We also produceボナペティ mattresses pillows of buckwheat founded in 1991. yПриятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eetand smakelijk!

Dober shells tek! .Company Hyvää was ruokahalua!

Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enj At the outset, we marketed cereal-based products, later we proоyour meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятно gressed to prepacking, and ultimately launched their production. !аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! We Dober tek!

Hyvää ruokahalua!

Afiyet are glad to raise our business ideas like grains: we olsun! cultivate, Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your me !Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ןובאתב‬ ボナペティ Apetit!

Smacznego! Приятного аппетит process, and finally, pack and presentGuten to the market by ourselves. !Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoywww.fasma.lt your meal! Skanau !Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bun | 27 appét !Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon !¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakeli

oftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! on appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună!

Specialization of company – international trade of frozen and et smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua!

Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat!

Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! fresh meat. Thanks to professionalism of our employees, we Guten Приятного uen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ have created serious Apetit! and reliableSmacznego! company of international level. аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! ober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Already Afiyetforolsun!

Jó étvágyat!

Enjoy your many years the company cooperates with meal! the mostSkanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! reliable suppliers from Europe and South and North America hav- bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ‫ ןובאת‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă ing strong reputation of producers of high-quality meat products. okahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat!

Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Direct cooperation with manufacturers allows us selling the meat uten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита!

Poftă bună!

Eet smakelijk! products in competitive prices, adjustable with individual custom- Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet We supply frozen beef, pork, poultry and horse provecho! meat from sun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy yourers.meal!

Skanaus!

Bon appétit! ¡Buen ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! main producers in Europe, Canada, USA and South America. macznego! www.glardo.lt Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó vágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego!

JSC “Ingman ledai” is a leading producer of ice creams in the риятного аппетита! Poftă bună!

Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy Baltic States. Company belongs to Finnish Ingman Ice Cream our meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ‫ןובאתב‬ ボナペティ Group,¡Buen that hasprovecho! got 4 ice cream production plants located inGuten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного Finland, Lithuania, Belarus. JSC “Ingman ledai”Afiyet offers olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! ппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk!

DoberSweden, tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! a wide range of ice cream, more than 80 names (portions: on kanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit!

Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! sticks, cones, wafer cups, ice lollies; home packs in carton or oftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! plastic boxes; 5 L bulks; 2 L ice cream cakes). The company has ‫ןובאתב‬ ボナペティ Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! on appétit! ¡Buen provecho! got a fully-automatic finishedGuten productsApetit! warehouse equipped withruokahalua! advanced technologies; alsoolsun! operates ISO 9001: 2000 and et smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää Afiyet Jó étvágyat!

Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit!

BRC Global Standard – FOOD quality management systems. uen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! www.ingman.lt ober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho!

SC “Kauno Grūdai” activities are characterized as “from field to Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ‫ ןובאת‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! the table”. This description reflects company’s practices, which okahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat!

Enjoy meal!

Skanaus!

Bon appétit! are carried out fromyour the direct purchase of grain, processing it to ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ the final production: flour, pasta, petbună! food. OurEet partners are the Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet uten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита!

Poftă smakelijk! bakeries, supermarkets, poultry growers in the country. sun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy yourlargest meal!

Skanaus!

Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit!

The company has an international food safety and quality manmacznego! Приятного аппетита!

Eet smakelijk!

Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó agement Poftă standardbună!

ISO 22000:2005 and international standard ‫ ןובאתב‬inボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! vágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! for food Bon qualityappétit!

BRC. Many¡Buen years ofprovecho! experience, investment technologies allow compan being a qualified in managing риятного аппетита! Poftă bună!

Eet smakelijk!

Dober tek! leader Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy the entire production chain. our meal! www.kauno-grudai.lt Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного ппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal!

“Liūtukas” ir Ko.‫ןובאתב‬ (founded in ボナペティ 1993; ISO 9001 certified) is theApetit! leadkanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho!

Guten Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! ing company on frozen ready-to-cook food market in Lithuania. oftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus!

The range of the company’s products includes fast-to-prepare ‫ ןובאתב‬pancakes, ボナペティ Guten Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! on appétit! ¡Buen provecho! dumplings, potato dishes, etc. Apetit! made of natural Lithuanianruokahalua! raw materials. NoAfiyet preservatives or food are used et smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää olsun!

Jóadditives étvágyat!

Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! in the process of the production.

Customers may choose products аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! uen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного with meat, potato, cottage cheese, cheese, vegetables, berries, and ober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! other Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! fillings. The company also produces organic products. A new ‫ ןובאת‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Приятного аппетита!

Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää line of Smacznego! healthy products “For a healthier life” is being developed. okahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ www.liutukas.lt uten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet Stock Company “Palasėja” was established 1995. The sun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy yourJoint meal!

Skanaus!

Bon appétit! ¡Buenin provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! main activity of our company is the production of breakfast macznego! Приятного аппетита!

Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó cereals and corn puffs. The production process in the company vágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! appétit! ¡Buen uses the Bon extrusion technology, whenprovecho! raw materials‫ןובאתב‬ are cookedボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! under high steam (without fat).Hyvää The company has риятного аппетита! Poftă bună!

Eetpressure smakelijk!

Doberany tek! ruokahalua!

Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy been continuously improving its operation by implementing the our meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного systems for Safe Product and Quality Management, so now we ппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk!

Dober tek!

Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! have HACCP, ISO22000 and Hyvää BRC (levelruokahalua!

A) certificates available. kanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ןובאתב‬ Guten Company exports around 70ボナペティ percent from the total sales. Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! oftă bună! www.palaseja.lt Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! on appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună!

28 | et smakelijk!

Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! uen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk!

! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanau !Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bun !Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua!

Afiyetofolsun! your meal! Skanaus! Bon appét The main activity RŪTA is Jó the étvágyat! manufacturingEnjoy of chocolate sweets, dragée and Smacznego! caramels. RŪTA‘s assortment consists of a Apetit! Приятного аппетита!

Poftă bună! Eet smakeli !¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten range of approximately 300 different types, including special!Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provech ized products such as organic and sugar-free confectionery. Ours ä‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного Poftă Traditional bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyv sweets are made of extra highаппетита! quality raw materials. and modern recipes are Skanaus! used in the manufacturing process.

Food provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペテ ィruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal!

Bon appétit! ¡Buen safety and quality management systems are in place according to tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiy tGuten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober the international standards ISO 22000:2005 and ISO 9001:2008 !olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus!

Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apet throughout the factory. óSmacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua!

Afiyet olsun! www.ruta.lt !étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smaczneg yПриятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet“Samsonas” smakelijk! tek!

Hyvää olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enj was Dober established in 1991.

Now ruokahalua! it can produce up Afiyet to 500provecho! tons of meat products per month.

Company, using StateApetit! of оyour meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen ‫ןובאתב‬ ボナペティ Guten Smacznego! Приятно the Art technologies and knowledge, following the wisdom and !аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! traditions Dober tek!

Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your me of ancestors, produces only Premium quality meat !Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ןובאתב‬ Guten Приятного аппетит products which ボナペティ completely corresponds withApetit! customersSmacznego! taste nutrition demands. “Soviet” and “Bishop’s” products !Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek!and Hyvää ruokahalua!

Afiyet olsun! meat Jó étvágyat!

Enjoy your meal! Skanau are the major brands commercialised, along with the “Samsonas” !Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bun meat products brand. Also the line of traditional meat products !Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua!

Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appét was lounched. !¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakeli www.samsonas.lt !Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provech ä‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! bună! ofEet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyv The main activity of “Vilniaus degtinė” is Poftă the production vodka, flavoured vodka, unique bitter, liqueur, herbal liqueur, provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペテ ィruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen balsams and long drinks. Vodka makes the major portion of the tGuten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятногоcompany’s аппетита!

Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiy production sales. The most know brands are “Bajorų”, !olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus!

Bon“Penguin appétit! provecho! ‫ןובאתב‬ ボナペティ Guten Apet “Sobieski”, “Like”, “ and¡Buen “Shotka”.

The company’s production is made from natural ingredients including nuts, beróSmacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! ries, fruits, juices, and honey. Maintaining deep vodka producing !étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smaczneg traditions, the products by “Vilniaus degtinė” have won numeryПриятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eetous smakelijk!

Dober Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enj awards for quality andtek! exceptional recipes. оyour meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! www.degtine.lt Приятно !аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your me The ‫ןובאתב‬ oldest industrial brewery in Lithuania established by !Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ボナペティ Gutenwas Apetit!

Smacznego! Приятного аппетит Rafailas Volfas in 1853.

The joint stock company Volfas Engelman !Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanau has two beer brands: “Volfas Engelman“, “Fortas“ and about 13% ボナペティ Guten Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bun !Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬of total beer market share. Apetit!

To light alcoholic drinks portfolio olsun!

Jóciders étvágyat!

Enjoy !Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! belongs beerAfiyet cocktails “B-Shake“, “Fizz“, “Real“ and your long meal! Skanaus! Bon appét drinks “G:N“, “Jamaica“.

Brewery is also famous for it‘s carbonated !¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit!

Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakeli non-alcoholic drink – kvass “Smetoniška“. We are market leaders !Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun!

Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provech in kvass (about 33% of total market share), cider (43%), long drink ä‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного (47%) categories in Lithuania. аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyv ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペテ ィruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! www.volfasengelman.lt tGuten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiy JSC “Žemaitijos pienas” – one of the major and modern milk pro!olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus!

Boninappétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apet cessing companies Lithuania, the number of employees reaches óSmacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! smakelijk!

Dober Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! more than 2000 Eet people.

JSC “Žemaitijos pienas” tek! was established in 1924.

Work experience and unique recipes accumulated dur!étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smaczneg ing years enable to provide the customers wide range of products yПриятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eetknown smakelijk!

Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enj for their perfect taste and high quality. JSC “Žemaitijos оyour meal! Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho!

Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятно pienas” main activity‫ןובאתב‬ – creation,ボナペティ manufacturing and realization dairy products (milk, kefir, butter, fermented cheese, string Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your me !аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! of Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua!

Afiyet olsun! cheese sticks, processed cheese, curd snacks, curd, yogurts and !Skanaus! Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетит other dairy products) in Lithuanian and foreign markets. www.zpienas.lt !Poftă bună! Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanau !Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bun | 29 appét !Eet smakelijk! Dober tek! Hyvää ruokahalua! Afiyet olsun! Jó étvágyat! Enjoy your meal! Skanaus! Bon !¡Buen provecho! ‫ ןובאתב‬ボナペティ Guten Apetit! Smacznego! Приятного аппетита! Poftă bună! Eet smakeli

KlaipÄ—da State Seaport is the northernmost ice-free port on the Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea

The value of Liūtukas ir Ko in Europe grows

Ligita Šoliūnienė

The company “Liūtukas ir Ko”, the initiator and leader of frozen ready-to-cook food production in Lithuania, in the eighteenth year of activity enters a new phase – production of 100% organic products - along with a further rapid expansion of trade in European markets.

THE CONDITION: EXCLUSIVITY The company representatives are sure that success in business is predetermined by the exclusivity of the production. What is this Lithuanian enterprise distinguished for? In the process of production, "Liūtukas ir Ko" uses no preservatives, artificial colorants or any other unnatural substances. The flavours are preserved thanks to flashfreezing technologies.

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ture products of just a few types in standard packages because they do not wish to or cannot deviate from the set plan – it is easier to work in this way", Director of the enterprise V. R. Kazlauskienė shares her experience. "But we organize our activities in quite a different way. Our company is ready for any challenge, we are happy to experiment, combine all possible forms of products with all possible fillings, and our flexibility is highly appreciated by our customers".

To use its potential in the best possible way, the company takes part in international exhibitions on a regular basis. "Liūtukas ir Ko" has presented its products at many exhibitions, such as Anuga (Cologne), Prodexpo (Moscow), IFE (London), PLMA (Amsterdam), Alimentaria (Barcelona) and many others.

According to Director of "Liūtukas ir Ko" Valdemara Rita Kazlauskienė, the shelf-life of products may be easily extended by using special equipment for flash-freezing.

Fresh ready-to-cook products are frozen at the temperature of -30°C -35°C. Because of the rapid drop in temperature, their valuable properties are preserved and their high quality is retained for the whole period up to the expiry date. "This is how people are used to freezing berries and mushrooms at home.

However, our customers usually do not suppose that the same well-known method is applicable at food processing plants too. Of course, our equipment is much more powerful when compared to a domestic freezer", the Head of the company says.

100% organic For its organic products, "Liūtukas ir Ko" uses only strictly selected and certified ingredients. "The new collec-

tion is 100% organic" – the company’s head technologist Kristina Burinskienė assures.

Potatoes and beef are supplied only by timetested certified organic farms. While aiming for top quality, the company buys flour from Austria and vegetable oil from Germany. All other ingredients used in the process of production are organic as well, even salt.

"The prime cost of our organic products is high enough; nevertheless, we wanted to include them in our range. Sometimes we even call them "just a gift to the customer" because we hardly make any profit here", V.R. Kazlauskienė says.

Flexibility is highly appreciated The production of "Liūtukas ir Ko" has been known throughout markets of Europe and America for over seven years. According to V. R. Kazlauskienė, such long-standing business relations are based on mutual trust, open cooperation, unchanging top quality of products, and flexibility of the company.

"Usually it takes several months to adapt the taste of products to a particular country or market", K. Burinskienė mentions. In such a way, recipes for products of Polish, Russian and Irish taste were developed. Georgian khachapuri and Kazakh manti travel from Kaunas to the ethnic markets of Canada and Germany.

The design of packages is coordinated with clients in a similar way. Products are exported in packages individually adapted for each country and market. "The majority of companies manufac-

Several years ago, the food fair "Tastefest" took place in Dublin on Saint Patrick’s Day. During the event that lasted several days, the Lithuanian company arranged a tasting of products adapted for Irish taste. "The fair was the best form of market research for our company. We discovered what products would be best-selling in Ireland. We also had an opportunity to speak directly to each person who sampled our products and to find out his/her firsthand opinion. The obtained data was helpful for introducing the products into SuperValu retail network in Ireland", the Head of the company says. "Both Irish and Lithuanians love potato dishes, particularly with smoked bacon on the side. At the fair, the visitors praised our pancakes a lot; unfortunately such tasty, healthy and simpleto-prepare pancakes are very rarely available at trading centres in Ireland. Our assortment includes a wide range of potato dishes and pancakes with different fillings, so we really have a variety of products to offer to this market. It’s been quite a while since we started the Irish market penetration and we certainly do not intend to stop". To continue this strategy, the company is going to take part in the exhibition SHOP 2011 which will be held in Dublin this year.

At present, nearly half of "Liūtukas ir Ko" products are exported to 10 countries, mostly to England, Germany, and Ireland.

In the nearest future, the company plans to strengthen its position in the European largest markets both with its usual and organic products.

www.liutukas.lt | 33

The taste of wine based on the old traditions

Wine-making requires ingredients of a high quality and a reliable technology as well as talented winemakers who are able to take over the traditional wine-making methods cherished and improved for decades.

"AnykĹĄÄ?iĹł Vynas" AB, that meets all said requirements was established, as it fits for a wine farm, in the picturesque Lithuanian region.

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The beginning of "Anykščių Vynas" goes to the year 1926, when a graduated agronomist Balys Karazija founded a small fruit winery in the cellar of a rented house and started to ferment the first lot of apple wine.

Soon this wine-maker earned fame in Lithuania. In 1938, his wines were already recognized internationally. This year, B.Karazija`s wine "Birutė" was awarded with the main reward, whereas the wines "Senasis Vynas" and "Banga" with the gold medals in the International exhibition in Paris. Since then, the natural fruit wine became a traditional Lithuanian drink.

The Company provides an opportunity to view the enterprise and the wine-making technology. "Anykščių Vynas" opens its door to the visitors and presents the special excursion programme under the title "The Wine Route of Lithuania". During a tasting, visitors may taste different kinds of produced alcoholic drinks, get acquainted with its composition, specific features of taste and aroma.

At present "Anykščių Vynas" is the oldest company in the East Baltic region involved in industrial wine-making. The Company is a modern enterprise meeting the requirements of the Quality Management System EN ISO 9001 and Environmental Protection Management System EN ISO 14001. It produces high quality drinks, such as wine, cider, liqueur, and ratafia. The company uses the natural primary products, fruits and berries.

Agronomist Balys Karazija

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The products of the culinary and national heritage "Anykščių Vynas" is a full-fledged member of the network of the culinary heritage of Europe and has the right to mark the natural wines and cider as the culinary heritage. The network of the culinary heritage of Europe propagates the traditional regional dishes and products and unites more than 40 European regions.

The natural black currant wine "Voruta" produced by the Company registered as the culinary heritage of the East Aukštaitija was awarded with a gold medal in the contest "The Lithuanian Product of the Year"

in 2007. The natural black currant wine "Voruta" was recognized and awarded with a gold medal in the contest of the international wine-makers "Zolotoj Grifon 2009" in Yalta. The taste of the natural black currant wine "Voruta" was equated to the taste of the grape wines "Cabernet Sauvignon" by the experts. Such a comparison shows the perfect quality of the product.

Fresh berries grown in the farms of Anykščiai region are used for the wine production. This natural wine is rich in intense colour of ruby, pronounced semi sweet taste and aroma specific to black currants.

In 2009, this wine was recognized a product of the National heritage.

The assortment of ,,Voruta‘‘ trademark expands "Anykščių Vynas" expanded the range of the natural wines and introduced the natural cherry wine "Voruta" to the customers. The cherries have different content of sugar, acid and extracts as compared to other berries, so the production of this wine requires a lot of knowledge and experience. While producing it, the processes of fermentation are controlled; in addition, the laboratory analysis and production tastings are carried out. In the year 2010, the said wine was awarded with a gold medal of the contest "The Lithuanian Product of the Year".

Semi-dry chokeberry wine "Voruta" recently presented to the market is made of chokeberry grown in the Anykščiai region. This wine distinguishes for its longer period of aging and maturation in oak. The chokeberry wine has a deep colour, rich flavor, mild but expressive flavor and is rich in tannins.

The Company's production is exported to Great Britain, Latvia, Estonia, Ireland and the USA. "Anykščių Vynas" participates in the international exhibitions and presents also other high quality products, such as ratafia "Labanoro ąžuolo" produced with a natural oak extract and ratafia "Labanoro girios uogų" produced according to the original formula, to the potential business partners and customers. The Company produces the liqueurs TOPI Chocolate Cream and Bandy Cream liquors as well as liquors with the taste of chocolate-black plum and chocolate-cherry.

"Anykščių Vynas" took part in the fair "Taste of Christmas 2009", in the representative events "London International Wine Fair 2010", "Speciality & Food Fair 2010", IFE 2011. In the nearest future, the Company is going to take part in "The Restaurant Show 2011".

www.anvynas.lt 36 |

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The time for tasting and appreciating Long-year history of the enterprise, unique products and growing confidence of consumers make the name of one of the biggest Lithuanian milk processing enterprises “Žemaitijos pienas“, AB known worldwidely.

The company was established as early as in the year 1924 in Telšiai. Today the enterprise is one of the biggest and leading milk processing enterprises in the Baltic States.

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The long-year experience and unique recipes enable to provide a rich assortment of products that distinguish themselves for excellent taste and high quality. At present, the enterprise produces over 200 new milk products that are popular among customers already. High quality of the production is confirmed by abundant awards gained at national and international exhibitions.

Legendary "Džiugas" The name of "Džiugas" is associated with the best traditions of cheese production in Lithuania for a long time. Thanks to the unique technologies and the compositions of cheese starter, during its ripening at special repositories for from 12 to 48 months, "Džiugas" acquires exclusive properties that in the course of ripening express themselves by a various tastes.

Production of "Žemaitijos pienas", AB is highly appreciated by a majority of consumers in Lithuania and foreign states. Products of the company are exported to EU Member States, Russia, USA as well as Great Britain where products of "Žemaitijos pienas" are available in multiple supermarket chains, not only at shops of Lithuanian food.

The special recipe and top quality milk provides to “Džiugas” cheese an extraordinary taste that is some softer than the one of the worldwidely recognized classical hard cheese. The typical strength of the cheese is counterweighed by the soft milky halftone that titillates both the palate and the heart.

Annually growing sales of products from "Žemaitijos pienas", AB attest the firm leading position of the enterprise in the market of milk products and the ability of the company to strengthen its position.

The excellent taste, top quality and international awards include the cheese produced by "Žemaitijos pienas" in the rank of the best specimens of such production in Europe.

Attention to quality The company applies the particularly modern BACTOCATCH milk purification technology (the only in the Baltic States) that ideally eliminates microbes from milk and preserves the nutritional properties of natural milk. Products made of milk processed in the said way are tasty and nutritive; in addition, they are healthy, because no nitrates are involved in their production. "Žemaitijos pienas", AB selects primary products and controls the process of production using the introduced strict self-control system; in addition, the final products are tested at the laboratory.

The company introduced the integrated food safety and quality management system that conforms to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 22000:2005. In the year 2010, the company was awarded with British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard for Food Safety, so buyers and clients can be sure about safety, reliability and quality of its products.

In the year 1998, "Džiugas" was awarded with a diploma of the contest "Lithuanian Product of the Year", in 1999 – with a gold medal of "AgroBalt 99", in 2003 – with "Goldener Preis 2003", one of most honorable European awards, in 2005 and 2008 – with gold medals of the international foodstuffs exhibition "Prodexpo"; in the year 2006, it was provided a nomination of „Žurnalas Geras skonis rekomenduoja“ /"Magazine Good Taste Recommends"/ for winning the spectators’ sympathy; in 2009, in the contest arranged by Lithuanian National Consumer Federation, "Džiugas" cheese was awarded with the sign "Choose the Best Product". In the same 2009, "Džiugas" was awarded with a gold medal of the contest "Lithuanian Product of the Year". In 2010 and 2011, "Džiugas" was awarded with gold medals of "Prodexpo" exhibition. One of recent awards is two stars of prestigious "Superior taste awards 2011" in Brussels.

www.zpienas.lt | 39

Breweries of Aukštaitija – the home of Lithuanian “amber gold”

The secret of the success is bound with the cherished traditions UAB "Aukštaitijos bravorai" exists for the sixth

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year only; however, the young enterprise has much to make boast of. In the late 2010, a product of the enterprise was recognized "Lithuanian Product of the Year".

Under the auspices of UAB "Aukštaitijos bravorai", five breweries ("Taruškų alaus bravoras", "Miežiškių bravoras", "Kurklių bravoras", "Kupiškio alus" and "Butautų dvaro bravoras") nestle; all of them are proud of the preserved traditions of production of live, non-pasteurized beer of the gourmet category.

Just the dark beer produced by "Butautų dvaro bravoras" was recognized the best product of the last year. No wonder, because the brewery is settled at a renovated manor situated in the region of Biržai. That is where at all times, a good host should have regaled his guests with beer made in accordance with the recipe dictated aforetime by his grandfather.

"Butautų dvaro tamsus alus" /"The dark beer from Butautai Manor"/ mesmerizes all tasters by its expressively rich taste provided by the natural products and the timetested method of production (beer is naturally matured and no filtration takes place). After fermentation process in open stainless steel containers, for about a week, under the temperature of 8-12°C, the maturing process takes place. It lasts for a month, under the temperature of 2-4°C. Then the beer is bottled in exclusive glass bottles to be closed with old-time multiple use plugs and the last stage of maturing starts. It continues for about a month. Only after this long process, we can taste fully mattured, natural beer.

future, such oases will be established in the neighbouring countries (Latvia, Poland and Kaliningrad region). The network in Lithuania will be extended as well.

Now, when the production of UAB "Aukštaitijos bravorai" is well-known and duly assessed, the new tasks are set.

The design of the labels is being improved. The opportunities of a direct familiarization of a client with production of beer by arranging excursions to breweries with tasting are considered. In addition, searching for new exclusive recipes takes place. They will be included in the collection that consists of 17 sorts of beer already.

Like "Butautų dvaro tamsus alus" /"The dark beer from Butautai Manor"/ and "I.O. Boiko šviesus" /"I.O.Boiko light beer"/ that bears the culinary heritage sign. Also any other beer produced by the brewery is originally bottled and used only for this sort of beer.

"Aukštaitijos bravorai" strives to provide the unique product to the maximum possible segment of Lithuanian and European market. In addition to satisfaction of clients and effective work, its mission includes environmental preservation.

The technologists speak about this sort of beer with unconcealed tenderness: just under their supervision, the beer is born as a baby from natural products, in absence of any chemical additives.

"This light dark beer is produced by an open natural fermentation of mash", the head technologist explains.

"In course of production, yeast (that is rich in proteins, mineral substances and vitamins of the group B) is not separated from beer."

Seemingly, the exclusive environment contributes considerably to the exclusive taste of the beer. It is produced at renovated old-time premises (not at a usual factory) where a miracle is created by the hands of technologists on the base of the knowledge inherited from their ancestry. And you mentally stray from the nowadays to the times, almost four centuries ago, when dukes of Radvila brought the first brewers to the region of Biržai.

The award of the Product of the Year is the symbol of the new phase begun in the year 2010 Not only a way of bottling, but also the sales of this beer are specific. At present, a special trading network is being formed both in Lithuania and out of it. In order, that the live beer produced in Butautai and other breweries of the company, cannot be stored for a long time.

It is consumable within 30 days.

In Lithuania, 11 live beer oases have been established already. They are specialized stands and bars where beer is maintaned under the relevant temperature thus preserving the best properties of the drink. In the nearest | 41

MEGRAME EXPORT WINDOWS FOR THE WORLD

M

egrame company was founded as early as in the year 1992. It was the first company in the Baltic States involved in production of PVC windows and doors. It was also the first company to introduce ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards in the manufacturing process. The familyowned company expanded rapidly forming a Group of Companies that includes "Gealan Baltic" - a joint venture company with German company GEALAN Fenster-Systeme GmbH; timber and timber-aluminum window, door, façade factory "Megrame Medis"; PVC window and door factory; aluminum window, door and curtain wall factory; its own insulating glass unit factory; high-end timber interior door factory and others.

All enterprises of Megrame Group are 42 |

equipped with cutting-edge technologies and modern machinery for implementing most complicated solutions. The companies constantly invest in technological innovations and specialization of the personnel in order to keep pace with global tendencies of the sector and satisfy the needs of their clients both in local and foreign markets.

DEVELOPING EXPORT MARKETS Megrame Export company was established in 1999 with a goal to increase sales of Megrame Group products abroad and expand the number of Megrame representatives around the globe by delivering a full range of top quality timber, aluminum and PVC windows, doors and curtain walls. The team of highly qualified professionals offers

individual solutions for every project - from large commercial developments to individual home renovations. Megrame Export offers a full package of products and services to glazing industry customers around the world – consulting, design, manufacturing, delivery, installation and after-sales services.

All of the products are made-to-order to meet clients’ requirements. From size, shape and colour to style, finish, and accessories - whatever combination, Megrame windows meet the highest standards and are built to last a lifetime. "All of the windows and doors meet the highest specification standards for thermal efficiency, weathering, acoustics and security. We guarantee that products are of the top quality, high performance, stylish, competitively priced, superbly engineered,

stand out when it comes to the client which company to choose for services in this competitive market conditions.

QUALITY The quality management system ISO 9001 and the environmental protection management system ISO 14001 have been introduced in all enterprises of Megrame Group of Companies. The companies’ products are certified for integrity, performance and security according different EU, UK and other requirements. All Megrame Export products bear CE marking.

Megrame timber and timber-aluminum products have been certified according to following British standards for weathering and security: BS 7950, BS EN 1026, BS EN 12207, BS EN 1027, BS EN 12208, BS EN 12211, BS EN 12210, PAS 24-1:1999. Our windows and doors were nominated as the best Lithuanian Product of the Year for several times.

Timber and timber-aluminium windows and curtain wall at Oval Rd., Camden, London

long lasting and energy efficient," Agnis Magelinskas, the owner of Megrame Export, says.

The principal markets of Megrame Export include the markets of UK, Ireland, Sweden, Canada, Norway, Austria, Belgium, France, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and others. Megrame Export has established representative offices in UK, Ireland, Russia, Ukraine, Sweden and Norway to ensure the top quality of services for construction industry in each of these markets. The production of Megrame exceeds local and international market quality standards. The company has established efficient schemes of project management in the export countries and in the markets where the representative offices are established.

next to a large new lake.

Other substantial projects completed in the past year in London area include Residential building over 7 flours at Ramsgate Street; Renovation project of building over 5 flours in St. Martins courtyard Covent Garden; Prestigious residential apartment building over 6 flours in Oval Road; Residential building complex of 3 buildings over 6 flours in Latham’s Yard; Residential building complex of 6 buildings, from 4 up to 9 flours in Atlip Road and other projects.

"These projects are the proof of our company’s growing abilities, professionalism and progress, and makes a great addition to a number of other projects our team had handled over the past years in London and other UK regions," Agnis Magelinskas says.

CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Megrame is committed to the use of raw materials from sustainable sources, maximizing the use of recycled materials, and minimizing the use of energy from non-renewable sources. "Our timber comes from sustainable forests, all of our eco-friendly timber finishes are water-based, the PVC profiles are led free, all residue and left-overs are recycled," Agnis Magelinskas says. Megrame factories organizes production in accordance to sustainability principles in respect of materials sourcing, energy efficiency, recycling, carbon emission and life expectancy of products.

EXPERIENCE IN THE UK Megrame Export has nearly 10 years trading experience with both private and professional customers in the UK and the company has successfully finished many residential and commercial projects over this time.

According to Agnis Magelinskas, the owner of Megrame Export, one of the most interesting projects is being completed at the moment - Megrame Export together with partner company Megrame GB Ltd. has started works to design, manufacture and install windows, doors and curtain walls in one of the largest private contemporary residences ever built in the UK, designed by architects of Feilden Clegg Bradley studios. The fully sustainable luxury country house combines groundbreaking contemporary architectural design, materials and methods of construction; it covers 56.000 sq. ft. and is located

The versatility of our services, the wide range of offered products, professional management of projects according to the strict Building program, allow Megrame Export to

Timber windows at St Martin's Courtyard, Covent Garden, London

www.megrameexport.com

Megrame timber windows at Lathams Yard, Woodmill Rd., London | 43

Furniture from SBA is attractive, ergonomic and made of natural materials Well-known Lithuanian company SBA Furniture Company controls five enterprises in Lithuania and one enterprise in Russia. Enterprises of the company are involved in manufacturing carcass and soft furniture as well as furniture of modern design that are covered with natural veneer, are of high quality and can be paralleled with furniture made of natural wood. The company permanently extends the geography of its sales; it includes even Great Britain although the market of the said country distinguishes itself for specific requirements to furniture, in particular to soft furniture. In this country, SBA successfully presents its production via the local representative office.

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Searches for innovations SBA Furniture Company company permanently searches for new solutions in furniture production and design. This time, the company presents the trademark PARRA: products of this line shall ensure aesthetic home environment and are usable for furnishing both large and small living spaces.

Design of furniture conforms to standards of functionality and usability. Collections of carcass and soft furniture, sitting-room and bedroom furniture are made of high quality wood, textile and other materials.

In production of furniture, SBA uses natural veneer of beech, walnut, oak, cherry-tree and ash as well as various synthetic films, massive wood and eco-friendly varnishes.

The furniture is non-standard and satisfies various buyers. It is strived to develop products adapted for various markets; the manufacturing process is based on modern technologies. Generally, a considerable attention is paid to quality and environmental friendliness of SBA furniture as well as its impact upon human health. The company adopts

innovations offered by furniture designers from Italy, Germany, Sweden, France, England, USA and Lithuania.

Appreciated in Lithuania and abroad Since the year 2006, SBA Furniture Company annually takes part in exhibitions of solutions in furniture and interior of the world level, such as I Saloni (Italy), Imm Cologne (Germany), M.O.W (Germany), Krasnaja Pesnia, Krokus (Moscow, Russia), KIFF (Kiev, Ukraine).

97 percent of production of the group is exported to markets of West and East Europe.

Since the year 2009, growing of sales in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia and countries of Caucasian region took place. SBA Furniture Company company has established its representation offices in Russia and Germany, thus increasing the competitive advantage of the company and the concern as well as ensuring closer cooperation with clients and better satisfaction of their needs.

SBA had introduced ISO 9001 Quality Management system and ISO 14001 Environmental Protection Management System; in addition, the Forest Stewardship Council Standard for Chain of Custody Certification FSC-STD-40-004 V2.0 ensures high quality of production and partially higher efficiency of works. Products are assessed by the experts taking into account the requirements related to safety, comfort and durability as well as hygienic norms. SBA enterprises use feedstock and materials issued a quality certificate. Upon implementing projects on updating the manufacturing process, only ultimate advanced technology that conforms to standards of environmental friendliness as well as modern and eco-friendly equipment are used.

www.sbafurniture.lt

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Alseka

The name of "Alseka",

UAB is known in markets of Lithuania and

foreign states since the year 1994. It is one of

the largest Lithuanian companies involved in

production of windows, doors, showcases,

winter gardens and

various constructions of plastics, wood

and aluminum. It was certified according to the management

systems ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004.

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T

he assortment of production of "Alseka" is large. We produce windows, showcases, winter gardens and facades of various materials, such as wood of alder, birch, pine, oak, mahogany, and larch as well as plastics and aluminum.

The enterprise is able to make external and internal doors of various designs. We can offer braced wooden doors, paneled doors, veneered internal doors; in addition, we produce entry doors of pine, oak, aluminum or plastic. We produce wooden stairs, furnishing elements, other details of interior of various shapes and designs as well as arbours. Striving to satisfy the needs of its clients in the best possible way, "Alseka" company improves the manufacturing processes, invests in new equipment and technologies.

The enterprise exports its production to the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Latvia.

Technological lines, high qualification, good price/quality ratio, variety of styles, thermal and energy-saving properties are the principal criteria set for the production by clients of "Alseka".

www.alseka.lt | 47

New challenges faced by JŪRĖS MEDIS

Mounting work of its first bridge in Norway

UAB “Jūrės medis” – one of the oldest and biggest manufacturers of glued timber constructions in the Baltic region. It started its activities in 1974, and the company has already been successfully operating for over 35 years in producing wooden constructions of a high technical level for structures of various purposes. These structures can be sport halls, ice-rink arenas, aqua parks, pools, warehouses for various purposes, bridges, churches, dwelling-houses and others.

The company also provides additional services such as consulting, preparation of pre-designed proposals, supply and installation of complementary steel details, impregnation, fireproofing, transport and mounting.

Hotel in Klaipėda 48 |

Hermis sport centre (span 18 m)

UAB "Jūrės medis" has a subsidiary company that is certified and repares multi-purpose building, including a special purpose building structural projects.

A modernization project which involved more than 10 million EUR was realized in 2008.

This resulted in an increase in manufacturing capacity of up to 30.000 m3 per year and allowed the ability to produce glued timber constructions up to a length of 40 m and more, including a height of more than 2 m. At the moment, 100 employees are working within the company.

Entertainment centre in Druskininkai (span 50 m)

UAB "Jūrės medis" exports its production to more than 12 countries, and this accounts for more than 80% of its total manufactured production.

Its main export markets are Germany, Norway, Poland, Latvia, Italy, France, Spain, Russia, Japan.

UAB "Jūrės medis" has been certified by a Germany MPA Stuttgart Otto-Graf-Institut certificate and by a responsible Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certificate.

In order to offer their clients a wider assortment of services, the UAB "JM Haus" company was also established. This company manufactures houses made of glued timber logs. It also exports these glued timber loghouses to Japan, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, Russia, Qatar and other countries.

Dwelling-house made from glued timber logs in Kaišiadorys city, Lithuania

In 2010, after long-term work in selling standard products in the Norway market, it started to search for possibilities to sell its project products for structures. This work was crowned with success in the middle of the same year after the winning of a national contest with its partners in Norway. This contest was prepared by the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communication and included the production of glued timber structures for 4 motor transport bridges. The length of the biggest bridge was 60 m, with a width of 10 m. About 320 m3 of glued timber was used for the production of this bridge. Wooden bridges and other constructions from timber have been very popular in Norway for many years, so manufacturing traditions involving glued timber are deep there also. This project was one of the most complicated, considering the construction and technology utilized. Therefore, the winning of a contest of such a format once more confirmed the maturity, reliability and experience of the company.

All four bridges have already been completed and successfully installed in Norway. Thanks to the long-term experience of UAB "Jūrės medis", the final product was greatly appreciated by its customer, the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communication, and the company plans to participate further in similar contests.

Mounting of its second bridge in Norway

After the formation of strong bonds with its partners in various foreign countries, the company is looking forwards to new possibilities, participating in international building exhibitions, and is very interested in new projects.

Horse riding arena in Prienai (span 32)

Warehouse in Klaipėda (span 34 m)

www.jures.eu | 49

TECHNICAL FLEXIBILITY SERVING YOUR PHOTONICS NEEDS!

EKSMA OPTICS is a manufacturer and global supplier of precision optical components, optical systems, frequency conversion and laser crystals, optomechanics, used in lasers, laser systems and in other photonic instruments.

Utilizing more than 25 years of experience in the laser components market, EKSMA OPTICS is a reliable supplier to many OEM customers and R&D Institutions. For instance - since 2005, company cooperates with few European companies and European Space Agency providing specialty laser frequency conversion crystals for unique laser systems designed to operate in space satellite. Long term cooperation with leading scientific and industrial companies, gained experience and knowledge proves EKSMA OPTICS as a reliable partner for companies meeting challenging scientific projects.

Product range includes: • Optical components – window substrates, lenses and prisms made of Fused Silica, BK7 glass, Crystal Quartz, Calcite, CaF2, BaF2, MgF2, LiF, ZnSe and Sapphire; • Laser mirrors, polarizing optics, filters; • Dielectric thin film coatings for high power laser and other photonics applications; 50 |

Final components inspection

electro-optical Pockels Cells. New Pockels cells are assembled at the company and feature robust, compact design. Crystals used for Pockels cells are carefully selected for high contrast ratio and tested at Quality Control laboratory. Electro-optical crystals are installed in to dry cells and AR coated with high damage threshold dielectric thin film coatings. KD*P Pockels cells are primary choice for low repetition rate high pulse energy lasers whereas BBO cells are the first choice for high power DPSS lasers operating at multi kHz rates. Typical applications are Q-switching, pulse selection, CW beam chopping, laser cavity dumping and coupling light into and from regenerative amplifiers.

Opto-mechanical set

Electro-optical Pockels cells for laser applications

EKSMA OPTICS polishing facility specializes in final polishing of flat optics made of BK7 and Fused Silica and KD*P, LBO, Yb:KGW crystals. Optical components with superior polishing specifications and surface quality are required and even necessary for applications where high power and intensity laser beams are used.

Through the use of highly specialized equipment and processes in quality control labs, EKSMA Optics is able to supply high quality, precision optical components to customers. The QC laboratory has vibration-isolated optical benches, laminar flow hoods and ultrasonic cleaners. Also it is equipped with a range of high-precision measurement equipment to perform a wide variety of measurements and tests.

The Quality Control Laboratory has the following capabilities: • determination of optical and geometrical parameters, e.g. focal length, refractive index, radius of curvature, parallelism, piramidality, etc.; • surface finish quality measurement according to MIL, ISO or DIN standards; • surface flatness and wave front distortion measurements, (reflected or/and transmitted beams); • prisms and wedges angles measurements and parallelism measurement of flat components; • materials and thin-film coating spectral or/and angular reflectance and transmission measurements in the 200-2300 nanometers spectral range; Currently company employs 27 employees and has 800 square meters manufacturing and office facilities. Sales were 3.5 mln EUR in 2010 and forecast for 2011 is 4.1 mln EUR. EKSMA OPTICS exports products to more than 50 countries worldwide. However, the main export market remains European Union countries and United States.

Optical systems

• Laser and frequency conversion crystals including Nd:YAG, Yb:KGW, Yb:KYW, Yb:CaF2, Ti:Sapphire, LBO, BBO, KTP, K*DP, LiIO3, LiNbO3, AgGaSe2, AgGaS2, ZnGeP2, GaSe, KGW, Ba(NO3)2, ZnTe; • Optical systems including microscope objectives, beam expanders, beam shaping lenses, F-Theta lenses and continuously variable attenuators for linearly polarized laser beam; • Opto-mechanical components including optical mounts, positioning and translation stages, motorized positioning stages and optical tables with vibration isolation equipment; • CW laser diodes and laser diode modules.

As a latest product EKSMA OPTICS introduced new BBO and KD*P

We serve to provide flexible and technical solutions to our varied customer's requirements, which can often be quite challenging and we also most receptive to providing new products where necessary, meeting customer specific applications.

www.eksmaoptics.com | 51

Leading chimney manufacturer in the Baltic States 52 |

UAB “Vilpros pramonė” is the only company in the Baltic States, which produces stainless steel chimneys, corresponding to the European harmonized standards. The company offers to its clients a wide range of flue liners, double-wall and industrial chimney systems.

Chimneys, manufactured in the new factory by modern technological equipment, are of high quality, in line with EU requirements, justify even the most demanding customer expectations. The company employs highly qualified specialists with extensive experience in chimney manufacturing, installation and exploitation fields.

About the company UAB "Vilpros pramonė" is a member of Vilpra group. At the moment, Vilpra group, consists of UAB "Vilpra", UAB "Vilpros investicija" and UAB "Vilpros pramonė". The main UAB "Vilpros pramonė" activity is production of stainless steel chimneys. Previously, chimneys production was carried out by the name of UAB "Vilpra" company, since 2007, IV-th quarter, activities have been transferred to the company UAB "Vilpros pramonė". The department of chimney production was detached from

UAB "Vilpra" whose main activity was trading, and a separate chimney and metal structures production company UAB "Vilpros pramonė" was formed; new company took over all functions and facilities of the previous one. Now it is the biggest chimney factory in the Baltic States, and it has one of leadingedge technologies for chimney manufacturing in the Europe. The company employs over 50 employees.

UAB "Vilpros pramonė" is only one company in the Baltic States producing metal chimneys in conformity to

the requirements of standards EN 1856-1 and EN 1856-2, in Lithuanian and foreign laboratories carried out obligatory initial type testing of chimneys they manufacture. On the basis of these tests, a notified body "Statybos produkcijos sertifikavimo centras" ("Construction Production Certification Centre") (SPSC) issued enterprise with the "Certificate of Factory Production Control", which gives the right to issue declarations of conformity to manufactured chimneys and to mark them with the "CE". This enables us to export our manufactured chimneys to any EU

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member state. Company works under the requirements of the quality management system ISO 9001:2000.

UAB "Vilpros pramonÄ—" is a dynamic, open-minded, critical, liable, and trustworthy enterprise with innovative maintenance concepts, wide variety of products and services that facilitate the possibility for the customers to make the best decisions and right choices.

Trying to achieve a business success,

company aims to be an integral part of society - to forge and maintain durable mutual relationship with our employees, customers, suppliers, business partners, competitors, governmental institutions and media. The company plans to continue to respect and comply with the business principles that will encourage customers and partners trust, will help to earn the respect of competitors and strengthen community friendly approach.

Lithuanian confederation of industrialists has awarded the company with the highest evaluation. Chimneys and flue liners, manufactured by our company, were acknowledged as the best Lithuanian product of the year.

www.chimneys.lt

our company Also produces single and double skin flexible flue liners SINGLE SKIN FLEXIBLE FLUE LINERS EN 1856-2 T600 N1 W V2 L50010 G EN 1856-2 T600 N1 W V2 L50012 G DOUBLE SKIN FLEXIBLE FLUE LINERS EN 1856-2 T600 N1 W V2 L50010 G

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This flexible stainless steel chimney liners system is the perfect solution for renovating existing concrete chimneys, especially in cases where because of their curvature rigid flue liners cannot be installed. System is designated to exhaust combustion products by natural draught (N1) from heating appliances, which use gas, liquid or solid fuel. The system is sootfire resistant (G), it is designated for wet operating (W), and its maximal working temperature is 600 ÂşC (T600).

Single skin flue liner is made from acid-resistant stainless steel strip thickness 0.10 mm or 0.12 mm (steel grade 1.4404 according EN 10088).

Double skin flue liner inner wall is smooth, made from acid-resistant stainless steel strip thickness 0.10 mm (steel grade 1.4404 according EN 10088). Outside wall is corrugated, made from stainless steel strip grade EN 1.4404 or EN 1.4301

Manufactured diameters: 60, 80, 100, 110, 120, 130, 150, 160, 180, 200, 250, 315 mm.

T

he company Comfort Heat UAB was established in 1994 and known as supplier of heating systems for floor heating, snow melting and pipe frost protection. In the year 2007, Comfort Heat launched manufacturing of heating cables, heating mats and controllers. This year, an important step forward is being made by introducing the quality and environment protection management system according to ISO 9001 and 14001 standards.

Today Comfort Heat manufactures new generation heating cables and controllers for: » indoor application electrical floor heating solutions for total room heating and for supplementary floor warming, » outdoor application electrical solutions for outdoor snow and ice melting and for frost protection of water pipes.

We design products for easy installation and long term comfort.

Proactive and innovative Comfort Heat specialists focus in the best solution for customers, developing integrated new generation heating systems for: » domestic and public building construction and renovation, » food and oil industries, » road engineering companies and railways.

Comfort Heat provides professional consultations of project design and installation of heating systems for project designers and training for installers. Since year 1994 Comfort Heat has a large chain of customers: associates partners and wholesalers in Baltic States, Finland, Great Britain and company is developing and expanding business in the and Nordic countries, Central and Eastern Europe. Comfort Heat is a competitive producer and reliable partner in daily cooperation and customer service, industrial and residential construction, providing integrated heating solutions.

www.comfortheat.eu | 55

HODA, UAB produces plastic products using the method of plastic injection moulding for clients of many European states for 20 years already. The enterprise is situated in the distance of 80 km from Vilnius. Here about 70 high qualification employees having a considerable experience in production of plastic products are engaged.

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T

he manufacturing capacities and the technical potential of HODA, UAB grow from year to year. Even during the crisis, the enterprise did not limit the volumes of its production. At present, the enterprise has 36 new plastic injection moulding machines of various sizes (from 50 to 1400 ton) from Germany and Taiwan that distinguish them for excellent productivity and manufacturing capacities. The said equipment enables moulding a plastic detail with a weight from 0.0001 g to 6 kg. The products are used in production of domestic technique and electronic appliances as well as in furniture industry, food industry and so on. At present, clients entrusted about 300 different moulds to the enterprise. Raw materials are used in accordance with the needs of the specific client. Primary materials and dyes are buyed from worldwidely known certified manufacturers, such as Stirolution, Bassel, Polyone, Total, Daw or A.Schulman.

80% of the total production of HODA, UAB is exported worldwidely. The company works with clients from Germany, United Kingdom, Scandinavia and other states. For over a decade, the enterprise supplies details to SNAIGÄ–, AB that is the largest manufacturer of refrigerators in the Baltic States.

The enterprise has the only in Lithuania thermosetting moulding equipment that enables moulding of products resistant to very high temperatures (thanks to special raw materials and technology) and are usable in devices affected by such temperatures, for example, in electronic industry.

The company has set the task to offer all services bound with plastic products to clients.

Technologists of the enterprise may provide consulting services and assistance in development of the wished design of a detail, to choose primary materials, to make a mould according to the drawing or the available specimen of the detail. HODA, UAB cooperates with mould manufacturers from Lithuania, Latvia, China, EU Member States and

so on. In addition, the enterprise offers various services, such as product assembling of several components, marking, packing and preparation for delivery to the trading sites.

Technologies of silk-screen printing and tampon printing were introduced as well.

At a request of a client, the produced products may be stored at modern storehouses.

In addition, clients use worldwide logistics services provided by the company. A client does not care about any supplemental works. It should inform only what plastic product is chosen by it.

Assurance of high quality of products and services is one of the key tasks of the enterprise so it introduced ISO 9001 Quality Standard. In the next year, introduction of ISO 14001 standard is planned.

The enterprise successfully used the support from EU Structural Funds and introduced an advanced computer-aided process control system for improvement the quality of organization of all processes, the productivity and traceability. It covers the processes of management of orders, production planning, supply of raw materials, logistics and storage.

At present, the principal task of HODA, UAB is production of details for vehicle industry. The works run already and we can make boast of the first pilot orders. To ensure orders from the said branch of industry, the enterprise plans introducing ISO/TS 16949 standard.

One more important task of the enterprise is establishment of a new modern department for mould production and repairs.

www.hoda.lt

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JSC ORION GLOBAL PET – a subsidiary of global Thailand company Indorama Ventures. Indorama Ventures PET division is a leading global manufacturer of Polyethylene Terephthalate, established in five countries in three major regions of the world – Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe. By now, Indorama Ventures is the largest Polyester value chain producer in the world.

The ORION GLOBAL PET facility is located in Klaipėda Free Economic Zone, Lithuania. Company produces PET polymers (Polyethylene Terephthalate) which are used in a wide range of industries including beverages, food, pharmaceuticals, personal and home care, as well as other consumer and industrial products.

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The plant started commercial production in 2006 with an annual capacity of 230,000 tons, making it the largest single PET resin plant in Europe. Employed contemporary Swiss technologies enable to reduce the environmental impact below the permissible parameters.

The plant is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and ISO 22000 certified. Company focuses on people, processes, knowledge, quality product meeting customers‘ satisfaction, dedicated service, safety in operations and commitment to social responsibility and environment.

www.indoramaventures.com

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AD REM TRANSPORT: MORE THAN FORWARDING

The gas turbine that weighs 281 ton is transported to “Lietuvos elektrinė” via Klaipėda Seaport

Darius Brekys Head of the Business Centre AD REM TRANSPORT

AD REM GRUPĖ - is a logistics company “riding” four elephants: international cargo transportation by all types of transport, warehousing, custom brokerage and real estate development.

Business centre AD REM TRANSPORT is a composite part of AD REM Group creating the largest part of turnover of all the companies of the group. Freight is transported by trucks, ships, railway and airplanes. The strongest freight transportation line is the one among the British Isles, the Baltic States and CIS countries.

Approximately 300 orders a week are forwarded from

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the UK to Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, other the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea countries and Middle Asia. Freight from the United Kingdom is shipped from different terminals several times a week. This means that a large amount of freight ensures a stable high quality system of split cargo (LTL).

Heads of AD REM S.Kozelas and D.Brekys with Denis Irwin, the legend of Manchester United FC

We often employ an intermodal shipping method: we bring freight in the trucks from the United Kingdom to the terminal of Vilniaus Tranzitas. We use trucks and railway for shipping to the CIS countries.

AD REM TRANSPORT employees speak fluent Lithuanian, English and Russian, therefore we are able to provide updated information about the movement of freight both to the shippers in Great Brittan and consignees in the Baltic and CIS countries. Warehouses of VILNIAUS TRANZITAS are located in the distance of 32 km from the EU border with Belarus, and it is more than natural that transit cargo documents are prepared flawlessly.

Apart from traditional cargo, we undertake oversize cargo projects and render movers’ services. Last oversize project took place in the late 2010. A 281 ton gas turbine for Lietuvos Elektrinė was transported by sea and railway. We render movers’ services to both natural and legal persons. The largest client is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. Trans-

portation of personal belongings of the diplomats is our daily activity. We transport animals, musical instruments and art objects with great enthusiasm. Piano LT is one of our oldest clients.

As a composite part of AD REM Group, business centre AD REM TRANSPORT is utilising complete infrastructure of this group: warehouses in Vilnius and a large number of customs mediators. AD REM PORT subdivision in Klaipėda Seaport cooperates closely with AD REM LEZ (warehouses in the free economic zone situated close to Kaunas-Klaipėda highway).

AD REM employs 283 employees, including 49 employed by AD REM TRANSPORT. Our slogan “More Than Forwarding” refers to the fact that freight expediting is and will always be our main, but not the only sphere of business. www.adrem.lt

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A new modern logistics terminal:

more high quality services to customers UAB "Transimeksa" is one of Lithuania’s largest transport companies, having 17 years of

experience in the field of transport services.

It started its operations with the provision of freight forwarding services. Today the

company has grown and together with other enterprises of the group it offers complete logistics services: international transport

and forwarding by road, sea and air; customs agent services and warehousing at its own cargo terminal. The growing TRANSIMEKSA

group of companies has a fleet of 150 modern trucks. Modern logistics terminal started operations recently in Vilnius.

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The terminal is situated in a strategically convenient area in the southwest of the City of Vilnius, close to the Trans-European IXB West-East corridor, which is the most important freight transit route in Lithuania.

The modern 12'500 m² warehouse for general cargo is built on a 9.5 hectare plot of land, with a 1'500 m² open cargo storage courtyard. 40'000 sq.m. are around the warehouse are designated for manoeuvring and parking for transport with parking space for more than 100 trucks. The overall warehouse storage capacity of Transimeksa, combining the old and new premises, is 18'000 m².

Modern warehouse control system

Our company is oriented to all logistics services and we are now ready to serve all needs of our clients, .

Full service package

Rational outlook Having decided to expand our operations and to invest in building a warehouse, we set ourselves the task of building a new logistics centre with a modern warehouse that would effectively handle all types of merchandise, fit to describe as ‘General Cargo’, from the smallest possible packages to oversized machinery and equipment. As a result, warehouse can easily handle any type of cargo, delivered by any type of vehicle, be it van or sea container.

Installed modern Warehouse Management System, combining radio frequency and barcode technology with internet based architecture, permits efficient handling of client's orders. Orders can be placed by our clients directly into WMS. Execution of all requested services - detailed accounting of goods (LOT or serial number, expiry and etc.), receiving, picking, packaging, kitting and other - can be tracked real-time.

New facility, incorporated into already existing service package of Transimeksa group allows to offer our clients full logistic service – consolidation of merchandise from various suppliers in one place and distribution of shipments to final Consignees within the Baltic States, Russian Federation, Republic of Belarus or other countries of CIS. Being almost at the EU border, we ensure fast delivery of fully prepared for Consignee’s market shipments. This allows our clients to shorten logistic chain while optimizing logistics costs and diminishing possibility of problems with import procedures outside EU.

Warehouse layout Warehouse layout is split into 4 zones: long storage, short storage, customs warehouse and big gate area (close to 4000 sqm) where also fast moving and oversized shipments are stored. 9000 pallet racking system and enough floor space ensure easy cargo moving and storage.

www.transimeksa.com

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The confluence of the Neris and the Nemunas in Kaunas

Kauno energetikos remontas: high quality today – the guarantor for success tomorrow "Kauno energetikos remontas", UAB was established in the year 1945. It was a mechanical repairs factory in the Republic energy system "Litenergo". The purpose of its activities was execution of repairing and renovating works in the energy sector.

In course of time, the works became more complicated and specialized and the variety of the applied technologies extended, so the jurisdiction of the enterprise was altered by

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uniting specialized institutions into the joint trust "Sojuzenergoremtrest" in the year 1949.

When block equipment appeared at elec-

tric power plants, growing of the volumes of works and the number of employees of the enterprise took place. The new generation of high qualification repairers in energy

sector was raised. For mechanization of repairing works, improvement of the technologies and development of non-standard mechanical means, a design & construction bureau was established in the year 1964.

Professionals of the energy sector know well the mechanical means with "GM" mark produced by the enterprise according to the projects developed by the bureau. Their high quality is attested by medals and diplomas of exhibitions and by issued patents.

Technologies for complex repairs of high and supercritical pressure block equipment were developed; repairs of block equipment as well as equipment of electric power substations were started.

Professionals of the enterprises were involved in repairs of electric blocks of nuclear power plants, improved the technologies, mastered repairs of turbines and electric equipment.

After the restoration of the statehood of Republic of Lithuania, the enterprise successfully operates upon the market conditions.

It began manufacturing metal structures for construction works, pressure vessels, and containers for various purposes; in addition, it is involved in construction and assembling of electric substations and distribution substations up to 330 kV. In the year 2003, a reconstruction of the machine-shop was carried out and high-performance metal processing equipment was introduced. It includes a metal surface cleaning machine, a programmable gas-plasma cutter for sheet metal applications, the unique four-shaft rolls for rolling a steel sheet up to 40 mm thick and 3 m wide as well as items of cylindrical or conical shape. A modern welding column (the automatized welding equipment that caused a considerable growing of labour productivity) was assembled and introduced. For training of welders and

improving their skills, a Training Center for Welders that cooperates with German company "SLV" and applies the methodology provided by it was established.

The enterprise started more active cooperation with foreign enterprises involved in manufacturing metal structures. In the year 2009, the outlet duct (top hat) with a chimney of the recovery boiler behind the gas turbine at "Achema", UAB in Jonava was constructed according to an order provided by a Danish company. The structure consists of three units, including the combustion products outlet duct (top hat); four blocks of silencers; and the chimney 4m x 49 m. In the years 2009-2010, the enterprise produced towertype antennas for German enterprises. They included towers made of 110 m and 225 m angle bars with 3 layers of anticorrosive coat; round hot-rolled 25 m and 35 m high towers (hot-dip galvanized). In the year 2011, a 34 m x 2.5 m advertising tower was built according to an order of a German enterprise.

The enterprise includes five laboratories involved in metrological measurements, equipment diagnostics, tests, detection of defects by various methods of defectoscopy both at the enterprise and at premises of our clients.

Three laboratories have been accredited by the National Accreditation Bureau according to the standard LST EN ISO/IEC 17025.

Our clients include water power plants, thermal power plants and nuclear power plants, industrial enterprises, power and heat networks, as well as building companies in Lithuania and abroad. Professionals of the enterprise work in various localities of Lithuania. The company is well-known in Europe as well. The enterprise makes production and provides services to enterprises of Germany, Norway, Estonia, Russia and other countries.

The enterprise had introduced the Quality Management System according to the Standard LST EN ISO 9001 that ensures high quality of its products and services. For improving the working conditions and occupational safety of employees, the Occupational Health and Safety Management System according to OHSAS 18001 and the Environmental Protection Management System according to the standard ISO 14001 were introduced. The enterprise was certified according to DIN 18800 (The quality standards for production of metal structures for German market) and LST EN ISO 3834-2( The quality standards for fusion welding. Part 2.

Detailed quality requirements).

The achievements of the enterprise were duly assessed. In the years 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the company was a laureate of the contest "Lithuanian Product of the Year" arranged by Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists; in the years 2003, 2004 and 2007, its was a laureate of the contest "The Successfully Operating Enterprise", in the year 2003 – a laureate of the contest "Lithuanian Exporter of the Year"; in the year 2004 - a laureate of the contest "The Most Successful Investment in Implementation of Innovations" arranged by Kaunas Region Association of Industrialists and Employers, in the year 2005 – a laureate of the contest "Awards of German Economy in Lithuania – 2005" arranged by the Chambers of Commerce of Germany and the Baltic States.

The company closely cooperates with branch associations; the said cooperation provides it opportunities to extend commercial relations, to obtain the relevant information, to take part in exhibitions, seminars, forums and to enter new contacts.

The above-described measures allow expecting further successful activities on the enterprise upon the market conditions, extension of the volumes of its production and services, improvement of qualification of its employees and their working conditions as well as ensuring of high performance.

Our motto: high quality today – the guarantee of success for tomorrow.

www.ker.lt | 67

BIS:

values are the most important Working with complicated IT solutions for more than a decade, Lithuanian Capital

Enterprise “Baltic Information Systems”

(BIS) pays most attention to Nuclear Power Plants. This rapidly growing company has

clients all over the world and lately sees the greatest potential in Eastern Europe.

Specializes in the development of IT solutions Established more than ten years ago, BIS specializes in the development of complex and complicated IT solutions.

Currently, the company pays the most attention to these business areas: industrial processes monitoring and control, energy saving, and business management systems.

BIS may rejoice that the company’s services are in great demand around EU, US, Russia and even for the clients in Australia. Nevertheless, the main clients of the company are Nuclear Power Plants (NPP).

"The biggest part of our systems, concerning management of technological processes and safety, were developed working with international projects. So, it has occurred that our main clients are NPP and other nuclear technology companies", BIS CEO Kastytis Butkus says.

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Pays the main attention to NPP According to K. Butkus, there are many records in the company’s biography of NPPs, that collaborated with BIS. The enterprise carried out the modernization works at Ignalina, Kalinin, Leningrad, Balakovo, Smolensk NPPs, and others.

One of the most important jobs the company has done was replacement of the information system at the Balakovo NPP. It was one of the biggest projects launched by the European Commission Nuclear Safety TACIS programs, executed with the partners from UK. Other important projects were the replacement of the information system at the Kalinin NPP, the development of radioactive waste treatment processes management system at the Smolensk NPP, as well as the creation of nuclear fuel accounting and control system at the Kalinin and Kursk NPPs. "Most of the Russian NPPs use the nuclear material

control systems; however, they are based on old technologies, and their possibilities are limited. Currently for operating an NPP it is necessary to have a system, which would meet the international requirements. We have created exactly that kind of the system", K. Butkus explains.

Cooperates with the giants of the market Working in the market for over ten years, BIS has acquired a lot of international experience. Since the Baltic market is relatively small, the enterprise rapidly expands its activity abroad –the company’s export takes over 80% of the company’s entire turnover.

Control room simulator for Leningrad NPP

Having lots of projects in the foreign countries BIS is a Siemens solution partner for a number of years already, it represents US industrial controllers producer RTP Corp in the Eastern Europe, and it works with nuclear technology enterprises of the Rolls Royce group. At present BIS is participating at the Ignalina NPP shutdown process, where it cooperates with the Nukem Technologies from Germany.

The company is growing rapidly According to K. Butkus, in the beginning the company had only 3 employees. Currently there are over 40 people working at BIS and the company is planning to expand.

Touch panels for Leningrad npp

"Naturally, due to the growth of the number of clients, we need to increase the number of our workers. A smart manager will never give hundreds of tasks to one good worker, because then he would not do any of them properly. To hold high quality of the work performance, it is essential that every employee traverse a task and perform it as well as possible", CEO states.

K. Butkus marks, that company has developed and certified the quality management system, which meets all the ISO 9001 requirements. Taking care of the clients’ data security, BIS has developed and prepared for certification information security system under ISO 27001

requirements. Currently the company has developed the system BISMARC, which is based on the newest technologies and is one of the main company’s products at the new projects.

Sees favorable business prospects The CEO is certain, that values are the most important thing for a successful business and not just positive numbers on the profit sheets.

"If a company wants to operate successfully in the world markets, it is not enough to just do the job and get paid for it. One of the most important successful business conditions are: full responsibility for the completed project, continual consultations, and long-term guarantees", K. Butkus says.

Working in the market for over ten years, BIS sees favorable business potential.

"Since 2003, we successfully participate in various European Commission projects, also at the EU sponsored nuclear safety programs. We are well recognized among the companies, which are executing safety related projects at the NPPs. All this allows us to believe, that the company still has much of potential at hand", the CEO says.

Glances turn to the Eastern Europe Currently as one of the major projects in Eastern Europe the company is working with the modernization of Armenian NPP. The company plans to expand its activity in both directions - to the East and to the West. Lately, the company is especially interested in the further possibilities to expand its activity in the Russian market.

According to the K. Butkus, there is a reason to believe, that the currently applied systems, which are suitable for all reactor types, will be successful and these systems could be applied in other NPPs as well.

"If our systems will successfully operate, they could also be used in other running and new NPPs. So, now we pay huge attention to the functioning and quality of this system," – states the company’s head of technology.

CEO notices, that they already have some new projects in EU and US, but he thinks that the Eastern Europe market is the market for the near future, where there is much to do: negotiations have begun recently concerning the new projects in Russia, Azerbaijan, and other Eastern European countries.

Bismarc system display

www.bis.lt

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Importance of our services It is a common assertion that energy infrastructure systems only gain wide public attention of when they fail. But if infrastructure only enters the public eye in exceptional circumstances this is not because it plays a marginal role in everyday life. On the contrary, the reliability of modern infrastructure is precisely what has allowed it to play a taken for granted, invisible, role underpinning society. Therefore technical competence remains a key demand for today’s electrical contractors and sub-contractors.

The more fragmented structure of the industry creates a need for greater coordination and communication. Here come such companies as AEDILIS, which can provide highest engineering services for their clients.

We do drive an industry, not a single machine AEDILIS specialises in providing technical resources to the Power Industry, and are widely recognized as one of the leading Electrical Engineering companies in the Lithuania. Specialising in Design, Installation & Commissioning of Relay protection and automation, RTU‘s, Metering, Telecommunications and SCADA systems. Our company is dedicated to seeing our clients succeed. We realize our continued success in business is grounded in the high level of customer service we provide to our valued clients. Taking full advantage of

Substation commissioning for Your successful project 70 |

our engineering services allows our clients to cut costs and improve efficiency, while ensuring the reliable operation of their power systems.

AEDILIS teams can work with equipment, protocols and software from many major industry suppliers. We are working on unique approach to build-commission-test techniques. We co-operate with organizers of industry training, we learn constantly and we work honestly. This brought us knowledge on many industry standards.

Let us show you how to do that quality fast Our experience as Energy system engineers provides us a distinct advantage in understanding your complex substation challenges as they relate to engineering, operations and maintenance issues. Involving AEDILIS as your commissioning agent as early as possible in the design and construction process is the key to the successful execution, testing, startup and operation of your cogeneration plant, manufacturing facility, central utilities plant or electric substation.

Our substation engineering services, based on industry codes and standards, provide complete packages including calculations, specifications, drawings, commisioning for relay & control, Telecommunications and SCADA. AEDILIS has established a solid reputation for technical excellence,

project efficiency outside and inside Lithuania. Let’s save some money and some time. We have a know-how to build, commission or test equipment on site or back in our office.

Enterprise profile AEDILIS, UAB is a Substation Commissioning Company. Enterprise is established directly for this purpose in 2004. We currently employ 30 people of which 27 are highly-skilled engineers, which can commission energy automation equipment from all major brands such as Siemens, ABB, Schneider Electric, Areva, VAMP and others . From the very beginning AEDILIS tries to attract professionals with great experience in projecting/designing, mounting, installing, configuring/commissioning and testing: • Relay protection and automation • Substation automation (remote terminal units, intelligent electronic devices, automated accounting systems) • Telecommunications equipment configuration • SCADA systems • Assemble of cubicles (Protection, Telecommunications, RTU‘s) Our approach let us meet a lot of great professionals. Many of them are currently our team members. But there is a broad data base of highly-skilled freelancers which can join a common effort if needed.

We try to catch new industry standards as they pop out. Constant learning is what we believe in most. An adored and valued room in the back of our office with build-test-run equipment is always opened for people with bright ideas. Whether they work for us or not. Maybe we do not know something today. But perhaps we will learn it until tomorrow.

We have already completed more than 600 projects in Lithuania and several projects in Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Sweden, Russia and UK. We reached 1.5 million EUR turnover in 2010.

Our main partner in the region is SIEMENS Lithuania and we provide a lot of services for them including training courses. We are qualified to work with equipement designed to run under low-medium-high-extra high currents, 0,4kV to 400kV. We prepare well and play hard. We are strongly goal orientated.

And we are more than glad to meet you!

www.aedilis.lt

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Eugensa: solutions for industry and commerce

JSC Eugensa was established in 1996, and since then it has become one of the region’s largest electrical contractors specializing in the design, installation and maintenance of electrical, electronic security, fire alarm, IT and communication systems. In 1998, the company began to operate in the nuclear industry, implementing electrical, security and safety systems for nuclear power plants.

In 2004, it began working in the rail sector, installing electrical power, signalization, traffic control and rail heating systems.

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The company’s staff is trained in how to work in extreme conditions and provide high quality services on time.

We are ready to meet the industry’s every challenge.

Nuclear Power Plant providing electrical and security installations; seven years at Lithuanian Railways. Eugensa has also gained experience working with international companies such as ABB Marine (electrical installations on two ships in Norway) and the AUDIÂŽ factory in Belgium (electrical installations). Other clients include SWEDBANK, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence, and ButingÄ— Oil Terminal.

Reliable partner

Areas of works

Eugensa has all the licenses it needs to work with secret information, so it can operate on the territory of Lithuania’s nuclear power plant, for example.

Under contract with the International Atomic Energy Agency (Austria), every year the company provides an inspection of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant’s "black boxes". The company is certified to ISO 9001 standard and possesses several certificates that testify to the high quality of its work.

Eugensa provides design, supply and installations for low and high voltage power networks, indoor and outdoor lighting, transformer substations, relay protection, automation and control systems for electrical networks, uninterruptible and standby systems. It assembles grounding and lightning protection systems, and builds management systems, centralized hotel management systems, CCTV, video and audio conversation systems, and perimeter control systems. It provides a

Eugensa is active throughout Europe.

Typical clients include major construction companies, state institutions, factories, hotels, universities, and clients operating in many other sectors.

Contracting: 12 years at the Ignalina

warranty and maintenance service for all installed systems.

The company has experience in providing electrical installations and lighting monitoring systems for heatonly boiler stations. Eugensa has also been involved in the construction and reconstruction of railway catenery networks, and has experience in installing rail heating systems with remote monitoring and control�.

The company also has experience in installing electrical and signalization systems on ships.

Eugensa’s staff is proud of its work at many of Lithuania’s most important historic buildings, where has worked on a range of projects including the design and renewal of electrical, security and fire protection systems.

Around 90-120 employees with the highest qualifications work at the company. They are well trained to work indoors, outdoors, on ships and under extreme conditions, all with the highest possible quality and on time.

ENERGETICS TRANSPORT CONSTUCTION SECURITY, IT, HERITAGE

TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUILDINGS

HEALTH AND CARE

EDUCATION

OIL, GAS

• Electricity installation works

• Video surveillance systems

• Communication and computer networks

• Audio and video conversation systems

• Electronic security and fire alarm systems

• Electrical engineering components

• Fire fighting systems

• Cables, wires and accessories

NATIONAL DEFENCE

TRADE

www.eugensa.com | 73

ouses , Peat products for greenh hobby gardening,

land scaping‌

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The Kaunas Free Economic Zone (FEZ) is a 534 ha industrial development area which provides tax incentives.

The FEZ is attractive due to its geographic position as well as its perfect development possibilities.

Why Kaunas FEZ?

» Excellent geographic location and high quality road and railroad connections; » Bordering Kaunas Airport;

» Close to Ice-free Klaipėda seaport;

» Highly skilled and inexpensive workforce;

» Kaunas is traditionally industrial city with a population of around 700 thousand people in the County » Well developed infrastructure;

» Non significant cultural and linguistic barrier; » Safety of your business in the FEZ; » Considerable tax incentives:

Income tax is not imposed on a company investing over EUR 1million for a period of 6 accounting periods, whereas over the following 10 accounting periods the tax rate is 50%; Following the Law on Income Tax of the Republic of Lithuania, the dividends earned by foreign investors from business in the Kaunas Free Economic Zone are not subject to taxation; No property tax has to be paid.

The territory of Kaunas FEZ is divided in 3 projects: Production and Logistics Area, Business Street and Airpark.

Presently the production and logistics area enjoys the most dynamic development in Kaunas FEZ. Most of the territory is already arranged and being used for green field investments.

The Business Street is an aggregation of future buildings at Road A6, offering a choice of 13 land plots for offices and hotels. Almost all the land plots have detailed plans and relevant infrastructure.

That is going to be an easily accessible territory with a well-developed parking system and modern office premises, which satisfy the present-day requirements.

The Airpark is a FEZ territory, which has a border with Kaunas International Airport stretching for nearly 3 kilometres. This neighbourhood offers further exceptional possibilities for the FEZ investors. Air, road, and railway roads are perfectly integrated in the Airpark territory. Such territory is particularly attractive for airline depots, aircraft service companies, aviation industries (aircraft assembly, testing, and sales), as they can have access to the runway and concurrently enjoy tax incentives and other privileges offered by the FEZ.

For more information, please contact us: The Management Company of Kaunas Free Economic Zone Phone: +370 37 399 299, fax: +370 37 399 199, www.ftz.lt Marketing Manager Mrs. Ugnė Jankauskienė Mob. +370 616 78133, e-mail: ugne@ftz.lt

Gariūnai –

the renovated modern business park

Business Park "Gariūnai" is a site for realization of production of small tradesmen, manufacturers, tailors, knitters, craftsmen from all parts of Lithuania. It is a large international business park where about 10’000 representatives of small and medium-sized business are employed. For over twenty years, it is a shopping place both for the local population as well as comers from neighboring countries, such as businessmen from Latvia, Estonia and Belarus as well as guests from other foreign states.

Hereinafter, we speak about the today life of "Gariūnai" with Ramūnas Šeduikis, the Commercial director of "Posūkis", UAV involved in organizing the activities of the market-place.

BiL Business Park "Gariūnai" exists for over twenty two years already. Please, describe the development of the largest market-place of Lithuania and the periods of the greatest importance 76 |

Gariūnai market-place started its activities as early as in the year 1989, so it operates for the 22nd year already. On the marketplace, small businessmen develop their activities and the enterprises involved in

exploiting the market-place ensure favourable conditions for successful development of the said activities. Small business never was a easy occupation in Lithuania, because large businesses predominated in Lithuania

since the restoration of its Independence.

The monopolists mostly impact governing of the state; they always make every attempt to push small business outside and to occupy all positions. Because of this, improving the business conditions for small businessmen is a very complicated task.

and is involved in servicing small businessmen from Latvia, Estonia, Kaliningrad Region and Belarus.

BiL Are the workplaces provided by "Gariūnai" to many thousands representatives of small and medium-sized business important for the whole economy of Lithuania? Had you ever calculated the added value provided by the people engaged here?

For the second year, we implement the investment project (its value is 250 million Litas) that will improve the working conditions for small businessmen to the maximum possible extent, so our market-place will become no worse than similar ones in Poland.

We hope that a majority of small businessmen from neighboring countries that avoided our market-place earlier because of poor business conditions will come to the renovated Gariūnai to acquire the needed products for reselling in their countries.

We’ve not made such calculations; however, in my opinion, the market-place is of a great importance for Lithuanian economy. First of all, those persons work in Lithuania, pay the taxes in accordance with the valid laws and maintain their families. They do not emigrate striving for a better life and they work hard because the market-place is a regional one

BiL What does "Gariūnai" distinguish for and why is it attractive for neighboring countries and a potential European buyer today?

BiL A practical question: keeping in mind that the market-place is situated on the edge of

the city, how communication of it with various parts of the city is organized and is there a sufficient area for parking private vehicles?

Buyers may come to "Gariūnai" with comfort free of charge from various "dormitory" areas of the Vilnius city by the buses we had taken on rent. The issue of a sufficient area for parking close to the new building where the construction works are not completed yet is not finally settled. However, there is an area for parking some remotely, in the opposite side of the road – it is sufficient for all visitors.

BiL In addition to acquiring various goods, Business Park "Gariūnai" is a site for entertainment as well. What events that will attract both Lithuanians and foreign tourists are planned for this year?

For foreign tourists, a simple visit to Gariūnai is an entertainment. Such abundance of traders, the huge assortment of cheap goods and an opportunity of bargaining impress them greatly.

On the market-place, charity action in favour of children homes and families subject to social support, spectacular Christmas and Easter events, free of charge St Casimir and St John fairs where craftsmen and folk artists from all parts of Lithuania take part are arranged annually.

www.gariunai.lt | 77

Vilnius

Photo: Jonas Žiburkus

Dr. Jolanta Karpavičienė, Deputy Director of National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

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he Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, which is being reconstructed in Vilnius, embodies the whole course of Lithuanian history – from the beginnings of statehood in the 13th century to the expansion of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania during the next several centuries, from the beginning of decline starting in the mid17th century, to the loss of statehood at the end of the 18th century and the rebirth of the modern Lithuanian state at the end of the 20th century.

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Archeologists found the remains of the former ducal palace, which was torn down two hundred years ago, at the end of the Soviet era. Large-scale archeological excavations in the center of Vilnius in the late 1980s coincided with the emergence of the anti-Soviet resistance movement Sąjūdis and Lithuania’s declaration of independence in 1990.

Layer by layer, the archeologists uncovered the various strata of Lithuanian history – the 700-yearold ruins of the fortification walls of the castle at

Photos: Vytautas Abramauskas

The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius: Hidden Gold of Lithuania’s Past?

the foot of Gediminas Hill (before this dig, almost nothing was known about these walls, since there are no extant written records), the original cellars and walls of the ducal palace that grew out of the old castle as well as remnants of buildings and streets of the old wooden Vilnius. The large number and variety of archeological finds surprised even the biggest skeptics. In Lithuania, to date, in terms of scale and scientific importance, this is a unique archeological object.

After long and controversial discussions about how best to preserve this treasure of Lithuania’s historical and cultural heritage, a political decision was made to undertake a complex project.

In 2000, the Lithuanian Parliament passed a law authorizing reconstruction of the palace and specifying its function. This was quite a rare event in global context – a decision to rebuild a unique cultural heritage object destroyed two hundred years ago in its original location and to bring it back into the historical consciousness of the public. In this way, the newly independent state also sought restitution of its historical statehood.

The decision was made to construct anew, not to restore or rebuild – in essence, to use the large amounts of archeological, historical, and iconographic materials collected, as well as historical analogues, to reconstruct the historical residence of the grand dukes of Lithuania over the site as a cover or hood to preserve the archeological treasures below – the authentic stone and brick walls and the different cultural layers rich in archeological finds. These archeological treasures will become part of a museum exhibition – a unique way of preserving them in their original location. Such a course of action has called for some complex and expensive engineering and architectural solutions, which have been admired by foreign experts. While visiting Lithuania, Prof. Dirk Syndram, Director of the Dresden Residential Castle, reconstructed in a similar manner after World War II, noted metaphorically that under the ground, in the center of Vilnius, the gold of Lithuania’s past lies hidden. The scientists and scholars, the architects and engineers of our country have found a way to extract that gold and bring it into the light of day, to preserve and restore this invaluable cultural heritage for the Lithuanian people and visitors from abroad. After becoming acquainted with our ducal palace reconstruction project, the engineer and architect Manfred Rettig, head of the Humboldt Forum, which is coordinating the rebuilding of the Royal Palace in Berlin, said that he was leaving Vilnius with qualms of conscience because the German Parliament [Bundestag] chose an easier and cheaper way, deciding not to include various archeological layers in their future museum exhibition spaces.

Franciszek Smuglewicz, Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania from the northwest side, circa 1797. Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie

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1.Corner cornice stove tile with foliate decoration and an armorial shield showing the Sforza swaying snake (glazed clay, 16th century). 2. Flat stove tile with the coat of arms of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania (glazed clay, 16th century). 3. Flat stove tile depicting an allegorical figure of a woman holding a flamming heart and a shield with a crowned snake (glazed clay, 16th century). 4. Armorial crown stove tile with Sigismund the Old‘s eagle (glazed clay, 16th century) | 81

When the reconstruction work on the palace began in 2002, intensive archeological work continued.

Few cities can permit such a luxury. For two decades since 1987, over two hectares in the center of the city were carefully excavated and studied. The cultural strata went down as far as eight meters.

Archeologists and construction workers had to work under difficult conditions. This part of the city is on the delta of the river Vilnelė, which gave its name to the city of Vilnius. Thus the groundwater level is high here and the soil is moist. The reconstructed palace stands on reinforced concrete piles placed on moraine at a depth of 18 meters.

The complex natural conditions presented a challenge not only to our present-day engineering specialists to find unique technological solutions, but to our ancestors as well. They used local wood for piles. These pine logs were constantly under water, and thus survived for centuries and now bear witness to Lithuania’s history. Dendrochronological analysis can determine very accurately when the wood was cut and used in the construction of the castle or residential palace. This is very important data for the history of Lithuanian architecture and material culture.

While digging in the territory of the grand ducal palace, archeologists discovered over 300.000 artifacts. Not only is the number of artifacts impressive, but their quality and variety as well.

Because of the damp soil, human material culture objects which normally do not survive in the ground did so very well. These include wood and wooden artifacts, leather and textile articles, and

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various other organic finds. Using these materials and other archeological finds and historical data, researchers have been able to shed light on various aspects of Lithuanian history and to determine the geographical bounds of the country’s major trade routes and external cultural ties, as well as the everyday life of the ducal palace. Sometimes the finds have even led to fundamental revisions of accepted historical propositions.

After doing comparative studies, it became clear that brickwork masonry in Lithuania began earlier than once postulated. Fortifications at the foot of Gediminas Hill dating from the end of the 13th century show that the barely fifty-year-old state was rapidly developing its technological capabilities and was already familiar with masonry. Lithuanians used Baltic or Wendish brick bond, which was common throughout the Baltic region, in their masonry. The castles of the Teutonic Knights in the current territories of Poland and Latvia were built using analogous techniques. Lithuanians and their neighbors adopted the technologies, but manufactured their own bricks and other construction materials. Archeologists working on the grounds of the ducal palace found the defensive wall, one of several towers, and a residential building, which will greet future museum visitors. As they descend into the museum’s vestibule, they will enter into the interior of the oldest known Lithuanian brick castle and will come into virtual contact with the beginnings of Lithuania’s material civilization.

In the 14th century Lithuanians already knew how to carry out large-scale irrigation projects. A canal was dug to change the main course of the Vilnelė River to its present one and the old riverbed was also redirected. Thus a ring of water was formed –

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This page 1. Part of the Renaissance audience chamber. The floor and tile stove recreated on the basis of original find material. Frieze recreated by Audronė Kaušinienė and Povilas Kuodis 2. Ring with a precious stone (gold, enamel, 16th century)

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Right page 1. Ring with precious stone (gold, late 16th to early 17th century) 2. Venetian ducat (gold, 14th to 15th century) 3. Bottle (painted glass, late 16th to early 17th century) 4. Chess piece of a knight (horn, 14th to 15th century) 4. Oriental-style chess piece of a king or queen (wood, late 14th to early 15th century) 5. A reconstructed early 16th century low shoe with a cork heel (made by Arūnas Puškorius) 6. High boot (leather, 15th century)

the Neris River on one side and the Vilnelė looping around the other three sides, in essence forming a protective island for the Vilnius castles. The swampy land was filled in and reinforced, forming the 13-hectare territory of the Vilnius Lower Castle complex. It was surrounded by a brick wall with guard towers and gates and created a defensive whole that included both the Lower and Upper Castles. Thus fortified, the Vilnius castles were able to withstand attacks by the powerful Teutonic Knights. A participant in an unsuccessful siege in 1390 was Henry Bolingbroke, the Earl of Derby, who later became King Henry IV of England.

With the expansion of the state – at its peak the Grand Duchy of Lithuania stretched from the Baltic to the Black Seas – the representational and administrative needs of the grand dukes grew considerably. At the end of the 15th century, the defensive Lower Castle was rebuilt as a residence in the late Gothic style. During the 16th century, it was transformed gradually into a luxurious Renaissance palace, which in the beginning of the 17th century took on early Baroque features.

Lithuania entered the European trade orbit and its cultural space. Archeological finds at the ducal palace show that glass, luxury goods, and even musical instruments were imported from Venice, Genoa, and other Italian cities. Sandstone, limestone, marble and other expensive construction materials were imported from the island of Gotland, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Expensive textiles, spices, exotic jewelry, and porcelain came from the East via Europe or the Crimea. Some of the archeological finds were made of imported wood, such as a 15th century chess piece, mirror frame, and comb. Researchers were surprised to find that leather shoes with soles made of Portuguese cork were worn in Vilnius 500 years ago.

Lithuania was not only an importer. From the 14th century it was an exporter of wood to Europe.

Such great quantities of wood and wood products were exported via various water routes that English scholars call the lumber imported from the East over several centuries, simply, Baltic oak.

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Conditions favorable for the growth of cultural ties were also enhanced through marriages. Lithuanian rulers were related by marriage with all the ruling dynasties of Europe. For example, Anne of Bohemia, the great-granddaughter of Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, during whose reign in 1323 the capital of Lithuania was first mentioned in written sources, was married to King Richard II of England.

Lithuanian engineering and technological achievements are evident in the waterworks developed for the ducal palace. A wooden water pipe was connected to the palace reservoirs and to the wind-

Authenic brick walls from the 13th–16th centuries are part of the museum's display | 83

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1. Heads of state or governments from 15 states (Lithuania, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Ukraine, Latvia, Iceland, Finland, Georgia, the Vatican, Estonia, Belarus, Germany and Russia) in the symbolic opening of the completed, though not fully furnished, Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania on 6 July 2009.

The Palace for visitors will be opened in 2013 2. Piece of an openwork earring (gold, 16th century)

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mills at the branches of the Vilnelė River to regulate the level of the groundwater. A considerable number of these wooden objects – wells, pieces of pipe, and others – have survived, are being conserved, and will be displayed in the museum. This harmonious system functioned smoothly until the middle of the 17th century, when it was destroyed by the invading Muscovite army and never rebuilt.

After six years of Russian occupation, the Palace of the Grand Dukes also never recovered. Ravaged and plundered, it stood for another century and a half, until the Russian tsar finally gave orders to tear it down completely in order to erase it from the historical memory of Lithuanians.

Nevertheless, archeological finds in the palace territory attest to another side of the Lithuanian military story and its military contacts. Numerous finds of weapons, armor, and pieces of armaments have forced scholars to reexamine some of their earlier hypotheses that the Lithuanian military was mostly influenced by the East. In fact, these finds point to a heavy Western influence as well as local ingenuity. Some examples of weapons and armor found in Vilnius have no European analogues.

Among the archeological finds in the palace territory are some real treasures – highest-quality gold rings with precious stones, valuable jewelry as well as jewelry-making tools. Scholars especially value the numismatic finds. In terms of both quality and quantity they have no analogues in Lithuania or

abroad. The number of coins found run into the thousands. They add considerably to our knowledge of the sources and scope of Lithuania's monetary policies and to the breadth of its trade. There was trade even with Scotland. In Vilnius, archeologists found Scottish pence from the first half of the 17th century.

An invaluable treasure is the collection of ceramic tiles. Tens of thousands of artifacts representing various eras and styles – Gothic, Renaissance and Northern Mannerism – reveal the close ties that Lithuania‘s grand dukes and noblemen had with European artists. After restoration and reconstruction, it became evident that the subject matter of some of the tiles was based on engravings by such famous artists as Lucas Cranach and others.

The biblical subjects and heraldic motifs of other tiles await the close scrutiny and attention of art historians and other researchers.

Undoubtedly, future research on these artifacts will reveal many treasure-troves of Lithuanian history and broaden our knowledge about our country's cultural horizons. But most importantly, these treasures will be displayed in the new palace museum and will be accessible to the Lithuanian public and visitors to Vilnius. The historical residence of Lithuania's rulers, from which Lithuania reached out to Europe and through which European influences came to Lithuania so long ago, will once again come alive.

www.valdovurumai.lt 84 |

Jaclyn and Peter, UK Posted on 06/29/11 - 13:12 We have really appreciated the tranquillity and beautiful setting at Honey Valley campsite. The trees provide privacy and shade, and the range of shelters, seats, hammocks and loungers, made by the owner from local, natural materials add to the charm of the surroundings. The WC and shower facilities are of an excellent standard, clean and modern. We would definitely recommend this campsite to anyone looking for somewhere relaxing and peaceful to stay, and have decided to stay for an extra day before continuing our journey.

Campsite

www.medaus-slenis.lt

Honey Valley a perfect place to stay and spend your time Owner Ovidijus

Cross-Crafting text by

Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO

L

ithuanian landscape is studded with the abundance of crosses, their various forms and decorations, distinctive in each ethnographic region, the maturity of their artistic expression, and by their special place in folk culture. Lithuanian crosses are stepping outside the bounds of small architectural monuments to acquire life through people’s beliefs, ceremonies and customs. By erecting a cross or a shrine, and placing within it sculptures of saints, a person pours forth his entire life: he gives thanks, asks for grace, and perpetuates the memory of the dead.

In fact, Lithuanian cross-crafting does not refer to the craft itself but is more a syncretic folk culture 86 |

phenomenon. The entire existence of a traditional wooden monument is contained within it: from the first idea, intention, choice of site and craftsman, execution and consecration, which is the initiation of the cross’s true life in the community, including the manner of honoring it, processions, chanting, ornamentation and customs, right up to its decay. In such a way, every life story of a human, having approached the life of a cross would become an integral part of the cross-crafting itself.

The traditional Lithuanian wooden folk monument is a complex whole formed of an architectural element, sculptures, an iron cross forged by a blacksmith, sometimes even painted pictures.

According to the structure, we can distinguish

crosspiece crosses, pillared crosses, pillared shrines, shrines on trees and on the ground, crosses of plank construction and it always houses a spiritual “presence”. Depending on the intention of the cross, the images of Crucified Christ, a Saint, or a group of Saints were carved.

A person, or indeed a community, has a very vital and emotional relationship with a cross. It embraces the totality of a person’s life, from birth to death, whether praying for care, protection and grace, thanking, working, loving, rejoicing or experiencing great sorrow. What astonishes nowadays is that there were no taboos, no themes that couldn‘t be brought to the cross. The cross and the saints, living out their lives together with the

Photos: National Museum of Lithuania and Lithuanian Folk Culture Centre

tells the stories village community, were entrusted with earthly, commonplace, farm and domestic matters, as well as with secrets of the heart.

For cross-crafting to exist and to develop, two things are necessary: a master creator and a person for whom such creations are necessary.

A specialized school for cross-crafters has never existed in Lithuania, so carvers learn from other masters, or acquire their experience working independently. Traditions have thus simply been handed down from master to master.

Lithuanian cross-crafting tradition is unique for its vitality. It has survived times of prohibition: erecting and repairing crosses in unconsecrated places | 87

was forbidden under the czars after the 1863 uprising and the soviet administration during the second half of the 20th century. During repression and tragic periods of national history, such as occupations, struggles for freedom, deportations, not only were these traditions preserved, but cross-crafting was raised to the level of a national identity symbol, a sign of resistance. The need, through wooden monuments, to obtain safety for one’s family, home or village, to give significance to an important event, to express religious feeling, to perpetuate the memory of a departed one, became characteristic of Lithuanian self-awareness. This need is still alive even today.

Because of its vitality and tenacity for life, its artistic maturity and its special sig-

nificance for the life of an individual and a community, Lithuanian cross-crafting was proclaimed in 2001 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and later in 2008 incorporated into the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In 2011, Lithuania celebrates the 10th anniversary of the international recognition of the cross-crafting. Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO in partnership with Vilnius Academy of Arts, Lithuanian National Museum and Lithuanian Folk Culture Center implements a campaign “Cross Crafting Tells Stories”. It embraces several lines of initiatives, based on the main idea, that no convention will preserve the cultural heritage unless people will have personal www.unesco.lt/kryzdirbyste

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relation with heritage itself thus ensuring the continuity of living tradition.

Recently, the streets of Vilnius were decorated with posters by young designers, revealing their own contemporary perception of the cross-crafting, being not just a craft but rather a story-teller.

Everyone is welcome to hear those stories at the exhibition “Tree of Life: Lithuanian Cross-Crafting and its Symbolism”, unfolding the invisible contents of the world-famous tradition and enfolding the visitors in its spirituality, full of life. Next to the exhibition a creative public workshop will invite everyone to discover the joy of the living tradition of cross-crafting in untraditional techniques.

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Vytautas Tomaševičius

A look Through Yellow Stripe, 180x135, acrylic, oil, 2008 Reflections, 130x110, acrylic on canvas, 2010 Erotic landscape, 70x104, acrylic on canvas, 2010

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Painting artist Vytautas Tomaševičius has been living and working in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. In 1998, Vytautas graduated from the Vilnius Academy of Arts, where he specialized in theatre set design, and then worked in various international film projects, including making set design for Werner Herzog’s movie ”Invincible”.

Later, the artist decided to devote his full time to painting. Vytautas’ works has been displayed at exhibitions in Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Japan, and Russia. In 2008, Vytautas was awarded the main prize at the First Baltic Biennial in St.Petersburg..

Vytautas Tomaševičius has been working in his own unique artistic technique, which makes his paintings remarkable and elegant. Vytautas paints on his canvas and later uses them to press graphic images over the painting. His realistic subjects, often with a lot of figures, interweave with abstract lines to give birth to multi-layered works of art full of contrasts. In his works, Vytautas Tomaševičius uses a system of signs and symbols that is easy to interpret and is possible to read in any language.

No Problem, 135x200, Acrylic on Canvas, 2008 A letter, 100x140, acrylic, pencil on canvas, 2011

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Ornamented Profiles, 90x150, acrylic, oil on canvas, 2009 In the Crowd, 120x115, acrylic, pencil on canvas 2011 Among Shadows, acrylic, oil on canvas 130x110,2006 A Touch in Blue, 50x40, acrylic, oil, 2008

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Rūta and Aistė art studio - Gallery RA

www.galerijara.lt

Rūta and Aistė art studio - gallery RA Pranciškonų street 8, Vilnius

RA, gallery-studio, situated in the Old Town of Vilnius, at the Pranciškonų street (near St Nicholas’ church, the oldest one in the city) invites you to drop in and acquaint with the secrets of oil painting and its result – the pictures. The gallery is called RA, an acronym of the painters’ names, Rūta Eidukaitytė and Aistė Gabrielė Černiūtė.

Symbolically, Ra, god of the sun in the ancient Egypt protected creativity, and first of all, creation of images.

In the creative space of the two painters (Aiste works in front of one window and Rūta – in front of the other), are exhibited paintings, drawings and water-colours that are born here and now. Gallery RA exposes not only the works of the two young ladies, it arranges other artists’ exhibitions, providing a cozy refuge to their works.

Lithuanian feltmaker and fiber artist from Vilnius Žavinta Butėnaitė Audickienė tells about her acquaintance with her biggest passion- Felt.

I have graduated from College of Art in 2000 where my field of study was Clothing Design. 5 years ago I have acquired a degree in Design and Technology at Kaunas University of Technology.

Felt came into my life on the last year of my studies in 2005 when I have chosen to write a study about ancient crafts and particular felting.

Everything has changed from that moment. I was fascinated by the magic world of felt. I have gathered a lot of information about felting techniques, read and collected a lot of articles about natural fiber. I have been theoretically very well prepared and ready to start something new. I was raring to go further and burning with passion to create something from wool. And finally the experiments have begun. I have taken into my hands a noble, generous material…wool and I deeply fell in love with it. That is the story how my Felting Studio and my real passion “Zave’s Felt” was born.

The relation, contact with the wool and the crafty process of felting is bringing me in to the state of meditation and contemplation. I can concentrate and release myself from troubles that are bothering me.

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I respect ancient traditional way of felting, but for me it is more interesting to create art my own way as felt has endless possibilities of forms, textures, colors and shapes. Felting my way gives me sense of freedom - when I felt, I feel free.

The beginning of felting has been “small” as I have begun from small decorative pieces: felted jewellery like earrings, necklaces and other small accessories.

After some time, I have dared to try more ways and means of felting and even have invented some by myself. I especially enjoy making projects which are prêt-a-porter.

In other words, I like art that is possible to wear. It might be unique crafted clothes, adorable elegant shawls, or headwear.

But my favorite garment and the biggest passion are felted slippers. Even though it is my favorite still it is a big challenge as it has to be made in highest quality and requires huge physical hand strength.

Every piece of felt is made by hands with love and cherish and it makes them so special and so unique.

Working with wool requires patience and a lot of inspiration to get the best results.

What is my inspiration? The colors and surfaces of nature inspire me – I love colors of earth that reflects Lithuanian landscape.

Each season of the year inspires me – I love freshness of spring, matureness of summer, warmth of autumn and fragile of winter. Using wool of various sheep breeds- soft Merino, smooth New Zealand wool and mixing them with natural silk, linen, cotton fabric, different decorative fibers and laces, can be achieved colors overlap and unexpected gorgeous surface of product.

Now the pieces of felt are being created in my felting studio which is situated in old town of Vilnius, in a very creative and inspiring place. I participate in textile and craft fairs. Besides that I teach in my studio and help people to open their creativity through felting. I felt for my pleasure and for people who love handmade things with a little bit of soul in it.

www.zavesfelt.lt | 95

Art gallery

Ma탑oji galerija presents

Stas Chailov 96 |

The first watches I made for myself were constructed on the basis of ETA mechanism. In the course of time, I became more and more involved with the so-called vintage mechanisms, that is, the mechanisms produced in the 60-ies and 70-ies. Once in Brussels, I happened to buy a watch which practically had not been worn. It was then that I actually fell in love with the very “vintage” concept.

I can explain it in a very simple way. Let us take an old car. How was it made in the old days? Let us just consider what kind of iron was used, what finish was applied and how exquisite it was. The old cars were not meant to serve a customer a couple of seasons. The main focus while producing them was to bring joy and delight to its owner, his children and possibly grandchildren. The reason for all this is the following: those cars were made in the days when the world was not yet homogeneous and uniform.

The same concept applies to the world of watches.

The fact that the majority of Swiss companies use ETA mechanisms of diversified calibers is sufficient proof of their high quality. However, I personally feel attracted to vintage mechanisms, therefore I keep trying to seek good versions.

Once I was lucky to buy a whole suitcase of spare parts from an elderly watch maker. Among those parts I found a few soviet mechanisms from the 50-ies and a lot of totally new spare parts for them. Such mechanisms were used for the “Zvezda” brand watches. It was then that I started working with these mechanisms. After a while, I came to the conclucion that the myth about Swiss watches must be obviously exaggerated. The above mentioned soviet caliber is in no way worse than the Swiss mechanisms. One has merely to put the final touches to it. With regard to the beauty and aesthetics, it is up to you to decide.

I feel mesmerized when making watches. I cannot help pursuing my dream to make more of them. The problem is that making jewelry is just as spellbinding and magic for me. If some power from above gave me yet another lifetime, I think even this extra life span would be too short a period for me to attain my goals and turn my dreams into reality.

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Museum of Energy and Technology Donata Armakauskaitė, Arvydas Grišinas, Karolis Kučiauskas, Martinas Obymacha

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Established at the place where First Power Plant of Vilnius used to work, the Museum of Energy and Technology welcomes Vilnius citizens as well as the guests of the city. Situated near Karaliaus Mindaugo bridge, at the opposite side of the Neris to the city center, it reveals different, industrial side of Vilnius.

Being accustomed to the history of castles and medieval battles, the dwellers and guests of Lithuanian capital usually forget another important part of the city's history – that of industrial Vilnius. The museum, however, encourages the true perception of Vilnius as a manifold, modern European city that is rich with architectural masterpieces, internationally recognized architects, at the same time being an industrial center of Lithuania.

There is a reason why the Museum of Energy and Technology, relating the industrial history of the city, had been established inside the quarters of the First Power Plant of Vilnius that started to operate in year 1903. This is a unique object of industrial heritage.

One can see the authentic machinery that had been working here up till year 1998. In year 2008, Museum had implemented the project that was partially financed by the European Union: the Central Power Plant of Vilnius had been adapted to the purposes of cultural tourism and this unique object was opened for the wide society.

Left page: •Old mainfolds of Vilnius Power Plant at the exposition of Energy •The main entrance to the Museum of Energy and Technology This page. From left and top: • Project of Vilnius central power plant. Year 1902 •Installation of steam engines at the Machine hall of Vilnius Central Power Plant. Year 1902-1903.

•The exposition of Energy in Turbine hall •The Printing exposition and its main exhibit Heidelberg printing machine from year 1906

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There are five permanent expositions in the Museum. The main element of the Energy exposition is the aforementioned authentic equipment of the power plant. However, one can also get acquainted here with the atomic energy as well as the alternative sources of energy. There are operating solar and wind power plants on the roof of the building and the electricity as well as the warm water they produce is being used for the needs of Museum.

One of the most charming parts of the museum is the Transport exposition. Here the history of transportation, beginning with the very first cars and ending with the electricity-powered scooters, is being represented. Cars, that are standing in the exposition, are often being driven out to the streets of the city during city events or for the pleasure of bypassers.

Which exact period could be called the beginning of industrial history? What was produced in Vilnius?

Where did the main factories of the capital stand?

What industrial sectors are still being developed in the city? The answers to these questions can be found in the industrial history exposition called "Made in Vilnius". Not only does the exposition reveal the modernizing process of the city, it also pays attention to the history of worker's, engineer's and designer's everyday life.

Top: •Ignalina nuclear power plant is still working at the Museum of Energy and Technology Right from top: • Old steam boilers from above •Exposition of Energy at the cellar of Museum •Turbine hall. The Energy exposition and conference space

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Right from top: •The exposition of Transport reveals the history of vehicles in 20th century •Fragment from the exposition of Transport •A work of contemporary art at the Museum of Energy and Technology Below: •The exposition of Transport. Automobiles made in the Soviet Union

Two interactive expositions are aimed at those who have a bit of Columbus spirit inside of them. Exhibits demonstrate and explain the physical laws that we encounter in our everyday life, often without giving any notice. Or... the exposition can become a really fun playground for children!

Apart from seeing the exposition, one can also take a break at the rest area, enjoy the view of the city old town and the river, have a cup of coffee, or simply take a picture next to one of the old cars. Our museum is never empty! One can always find different temporary expositions that are changing constantly.

Energy does not come from nowhere and doesn't leave for nowhere, that's the law of physics. The energy that had been produced in the Old Power Plant hadn't left anywhere as well. It simply changed shape and still can be felt in the atmosphere at the Museum. The main energy of nowadays is the energy of the new ideas! | 101

Photo: Dmitrijaus Matvejevo

Asta Andrikonytė

The Bohemians ORIGINS Idea of the BOHEMIANS was born out of desire to introduce Lithuanian audiences to the new generation of opera singers, to build home for young talents, giving them the platform to develop their acting and vocal skills on the highest professional level.

In the last four years, nine of them have started spectacular careers abroad, but BOHEMIANS make sure that they all have place to return home after their creative journeys.

Puccini's La Boheme was ideally suited for take-off – the story of that opera talks about young artists joyfully living in the attics of Parisian Montmartre and dreaming of love and glory. Production was massive success and had exceeded all the expectations

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of its creators - director D. Ibelhauptaitė, conductor G. Rinkevičius and costume designer J. Statkevičius. Over two seasons La Boheme was shown 40 times. It gave beginning to visibly increased interest in opera and became powerful movement THE BOHEMIANS, uniting many young people who want to associate themselves with modern way of thinking and to break from old traditions.

The shows are shown at Vilnius Congress Concert Hall, the home of Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra – completely unsuitable venue for theatre – but within three years more than 100 thousand viewers came to watch the Bohemian productions – suddenly Lithuanian opera got the new face and became cool, popular, orientated toward a younger audience and hip.

Photo: Linos Fisheye

company without taboo FAMILY Today in the Bohemians’ repertoire - seven operas: G.Puccini's La Boheme, W.A.Mozart's The Magic Flute, R.Leoncavallo's Pagliacci, J.Massenet's Werther, S.Sondheim's Sweeney Todd and the most recent ones – P.Tchaikovsky’s Onegin and L. Janacek's Katia Kabanova. More than 20 young Lithuanian singers have created the roles for these operas, as well as some biggest names in Lithuanian opera like Irena Milkevičiūtė, Sigutė Stonytė, Vladimiras Prudnikovas. All productions are accompanied by the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra (artistic director and chief conductor G.Rinkevičius) and the choir of Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theater (chorus master Č. Radžiūnas).

The most prominent and outstanding professionals in their fields maestro Gintaras Rinkevičius, director Dalia Ibelhauptaitė and designer Juozas Statkevičius has become a stable engine of all Bohemians’ projects and inseparable creative force. They always collaborate with British set designer Dick Bird and lighting designer Peter Mumford.

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Photos: Dmitrijaus Matvejevo

ATMOSPHERE “The Bohemians sing with their souls and hearts”, tells Asmik Grigorian, one of the first members of the company, now singing in Berlin Komische opera and Cologne. “We have grown up with one another”, confessed the senior bohemian Arūnas Malikėnas. And Edgaras Montvidas, tenor, who works with the greatest opera houses in Europe, says that every performance with the Bohemians is like meeting with beloved classmates. “When we have rehearsed La Boheme, we did not realise that we participate in a historic moment.

FANTASY The Bohemians have incorporated electronic colours into their arsenal – they have decided to take the most famous opera arias and duets and improvise with the electronic music and video projection artists. Together with new friends, they have created very modern and unique show XYZ The Electronic Opera Fantasy and started to perform in unconventional industrial spaces, which are uncomfortable for arts.

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We have created a unique phenomena in Lithuania – a theatre, which has become home for many of us”, the soloist explains.

The Bohemians fly from all over the world for the short and intense rehearsal periods, when they work from morning till night, as caught in trance, and the soul of the company – D.Ibelhauptaitė not only directs the shows, but also oversees as the producer the entire complex opera production mechanism, pouring masses of good energy and encouraging very young team to be daring and take big risks.

Dalia Ibelhauptaitė had crazy idea – to perform in once famous, but now completely derelict and forgotten former capital's cinema “LIETUVA”. For that purpose, the Bohemians have invited anybody in Vilnius to help to clean absolutely forgotten space and removed 20 tons of industrial rubbish.

After long years of agony, once famous and beloved artistic space was revived and full of people again. Everybody knew it was impossible to achieve that. The Bohemians did not know and achieved it.

“I feel more alive after twelve hour rehearsals than in the morning”, the director assures. It seems that the more everyone works, the more energized and inspired they feel. Some kind of inexplicable principle of metabolism of collective creativity and high energy operates in this company. “It is a wonderful gift to have such great team of very talented, flexible, unique and bold artists, who so perfectly combine wonderful vocal skills with extremely detailed acting ability”, proudly says D. Ibelhauptaitė, who has nurtured these qualities since the first Bohemians' steps.

PARADOX For the past four and a half years, Lithuania’s cultural scene has undergone a quiet revolution, courtesy of a very persistent woman. Dalia Ibelhauptaitė has done impossible. At a time when donors are in hiding and opera troupes are begging for subsidies, the opera director has convinced some of the biggest companies in the Baltic states to fund a privately sponsored opera company. “She made it clear it is going to be big and important for Lithuania”, says Tomas Kučinskas, the first biggest sponsor of the Bohemians.

The Bohemian shows are always packed with audiences; however, even having full houses, they do not recuperate the costs. The company has been strangled by extortionate taxes and non-exsisting financing from the government or Ministry of Culture. It is becoming increasingly difficult to create new productions just with the help of private sponsors.

So far the Bohemians have been financed exclusively by private sponsorship. During five years, opera productions received 2 million 673 thousand Litas from the biggest

Lithuanian business companies, whereas the Culture and Sports Foundation with the Ministry of Culture have granted 265 thousand Litas. The Bohemians themselves have earned more than 7 million Litas from box office, which suggests that the audiences are their main sponsor, supporting the productions and the most talented young artists. However, the work expenses grow, therefore the Bohemians' theatre model becomes

more and more difficult to achieve.

Inspite of that, in May 2011 the Bohemians introduced the new line of work and staged L.Janacek’s Katia Kabanova. “In the next few years, we hope to produce these completely unknown for Lithuanian audience masterpieces of XX century opera once a year and the next one will be A.Berg’s Lulu in September 2012.”

D.Ibelhauptaitė says.

PLANS Next season, the company will celebrate five years together full of big plans and new ideas. In September (14th–18th), the Bohemians will bring back P.Tchaikovsky’s Onegin, production so acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. In October (20th-23rd), electronic opera fantasy XYZ will delight the audiences with the new compositions and at the same time it will be the launch of the first CD of compilation of the best songs already created. December will see everyone returning home for the Christmas concerts The Nightingales Return.

The new premier G.Puccini’s Manon Lescaut will be in March 2012 which will bring to Lithuania all the best young talents from all over the world once again to be together, have fun and create.

“Five years ago, we wanted to change opera in Lithuania, to bring different people, to break everything that was stale and dead. We succeded.” Dalia Ibelhauptaitė says. “But now the biggest dream of the Bohemians is to move to another level and create Lithuania’s first privately funded theatre, a multipurpose 1500-2000 seat new venue that would complement state run opera house and offer the alternative and modern view on classical music!”

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Delegates of Icograda Regional Meeting in front of Vilnius Academy of Arts

Spring in Vilnius Spring 2011 was very special for design community in Lithuania. Lithuanian Graphic Design Association (LGDA) had a great honour to host “Spring: Icograda Design Week in Vilnius 2011”, This prestigious event was organized

by Icograda and LGDA in partnership with Design Innovations Centre (DIC) of Vilnius Academy of Arts (VAA).

Through the theme of “Spring”, Icograda

Design Week in Vilnius 2011 explored design as a powerful process that transitions ideas into functional realities.

Icograda Design Week started with Icograda Executive Board meeting. After was Icograda Regional meeting, openings of exhibitions and two days International Conference with 12 speakers, coming from different countries of Europe, USA, Canada and guests from all continents of the World.

Spring: Icograda Design Week in Vilnius 2011. International Conference at Vilnius Academy of Arts

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President of LGDA G. Lašas, Mayor of Vilnius A. Zuokas, President of Icograda R. Kennedy during reception at Vilnius City Hall

As part of Spring: Icograda Design Week in Vilnius, the Icograda Executive Board met with the Minister of Education and Science, Gintaras Steponavičius, and Minister of Economy, Rimantas Žylius.

The meeting was an opportunity to brief the government representatives on Icograda’s current initiatives, including the World Design Survey, and to examine how closer collaboration could enhance opportunities for Lithuanian creative industries. Discussion topics included how Icograda’s international network of more than 80 educational institutions could offer a platform for exchange and cooperation. Following the meeting, both Ministers delivered opening remarks at the International Conference.

This exciting week, came to a close with the ED Awards (European Design Awards) – a significant event for all of us. It was first time in history to have such important international design events in Vilnius.

Design writer L. Zeegen (UK)

Icograda President 2009–2011 R. Kennedy (Australia)

Meeting between Minister of Economy R. Žylius, Minister of Education and Science G. Steponavičius and Icograda Executive Board, LGDA representatives, Rector of VAA A. Klimas

Photography by Ines Subtil (Icograda ©), Marius Bartkus, Erika Smirnova (LGDA ©), Lukas Balandis (European Design Ltd. ©)

T. Cavalier, Informatics Studio (USA) R. L. Peters, principal of Circle Design Incorporated (Canada)

P. Hughes, strategic director and partner of Lava (Netherlands)

J. Bučmytė and A. Krajinskas (Lithuania)

G. Šiaulys, PetPunk (Lithuania)

LGDA is member of ICOGRADA

O. Vulpinari, creative director of Expanded Media at Fabrica (Italy)

Winners of the 2011 European Design Awards together with organisers of ED Awards, representatives of Icograda Executive Board and LGDA after Awards ceremony at the Dance Theatre in Vilnius

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Even if this is the first time ever that you have heard of the international continuous project “Travelling Letters“, its very name offers a hint and helps deciphering of its underlying meaning – the journey as a perception of the eternal change and the letter as a vehicle of communication and conveyance of knowledge. A lonely letter is erratic and meaningless − it acquires a creative power only when incorporated into script – a symbolic agreed coded system that has been for millenniums used to communicate the knowledge to future generations. The movers and promoters of the “Travelling Letters“ Project − Professor Aušra Lisauskienė, Head of the Graphic Design Department of Vilnius Academy of Arts, and Professor Ritva Leinonen, a lecturer-emeritus of the Finish Lahti Design Institute explore the project in search for answers about the unique character and peculiarity of the modern art of script in every nation. Indeed, in this 21st century so prevailed by cosmopolitan moods such concepts as originality, ethnicity, national identity have turned into a disadvantage rather than an advantage. Therefore the “Travelling Letters” project that entered into its fourth year of existence and so clearly focusing upon the concepts of national identity and universality has turned into truly timely and relevant undertaking for modern Lithu-

ania, Europe and the entire world. Exhibitions within the framework of the project were organized in St. Petersburg, Russia in 2007, in Kiev and Lvov, Ukraine, in 2008, and in Lahti, Finland in 2010, also twice in Vilnius – in 2009 and 2011.

With the elite and highly romantic conception of art prevailing in Lithuania there is a definite deficiency of communication between art and the market. The new synergy between culture and art, design and visual communication has a potential to develop into a social resource promoting the society to become a creative consumer of art.

The “Travelling Letters“ project promotes the integration of creative industries phenomenon into culture, opens a way to a wider understanding of communications and design and fosters a new approach towards its meaning in the day-to-day social life. The project is intriguing by virtue of its permanently developing ideas, ability for renewal and, at the same time, its ability to retain its original underlying idea – to revive calligraphy, typography and the art of script that in our high-tech times have become exotic engagement. Despite a rapid integration of scrip and the visual culture into the most state-of-the-art technologies, for the society these areas still remain marginal, (non)artistic and (in)visible occupations, not infrequently 108 |

ignored despite their undeniable impact. The script seemingly merely recording the text, apart from its principal communications functions conveys to the reader an emotional message that can hardly be perceived consciously.

The graphic signs migrating within the innovative and interdisciplinary works of modern creators tend to evolve in forms, level the opposites, give birth to new forms and their meanings where the content does not any longer necessarily correspond to the form.

For the artists and creators involved in the project, the letter and script have become the primary instrument for creation, a means to convey and reveal the trends of modern art and the conceptionalised images of artistic creation of the new medias. Due to the initiative of the project promoters, every year the project is joined by new creators from different countries and areas – designers, typographers, textile artists and interdisciplinary artists.

The project has already been enriched with works of artists from England, Finland, USA, Japan, France, Belgium, Russia, Ukraine and Australia. Lithuanian representatives – calligraphy artists, designers, and textile specialists not always relate the issues of the letter and script culture with problems of national identity. Themes often within the focus of the artists include the analysis of the day-to-day routine and creativeness, ecology, search for milestones of the intersection between creation – ritual and the subsistence, observance of social developments, at the same time presupposing the question on the existence and character of the interface between the general processes taking place in the society and the world of art.

The letter and script design by virtue of this project becomes an introduction into learning different cultures and a means to introduce the society to the artistic legacy of different countries. The acquaintance with the art of calligraphy, typography and script that for an ordinary exhibition visitor started from the exhibition “Travelling Letters” may turn into a first incentive to proceed towards more comprehensive understanding of and involvement in cultural processes.

Asta Jackutė, art critic, coordinator of Graphic Design department

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Photo: Tomas Kauneckas. Stylist: Serge Gandzumian

Aleksandras Ĺ imelis

– a well-known conductor, composer, pianist, tuner and restorer of musical instruments, initiator and organizer of international projects and, last, but not least, the head of the specialized piano and grand piano shop PIANO.LT. He is nothing short of a fanatic and a maximalist, who actively participates in the cultural process in Lithuania and abroad.

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BiL In July, you will be conducting the “World Chamber Orchestra” and soloists in concerts in Great Britain.

It is difficult to believe that until the age of fifteenth you were known as a promising football player on the Vilnius football team, not that well-informed about music at all….

Aleksandras Šimelis. Not really. I dreamt about conducting an orchestra since I was 13, yet my debut as a symphony orchestra conductor took place only in 1999 at the international project “New Faces”, sponsored by the Alma Adamkienė Charity and Support Fund and Irina Archipova Fund.

Aleksandras Šimelis. I would have gone on kicking the ball, if it wasn’t for the “boom” of rock bands.

Our desire to play was so great that we, teenagers from the suburbs of Vilnius, not having the money to buy instruments, actually made them with our own hands. We played music by ear at gigs at the cultural center in Naujoji Vilnia. In my dreams, I saw myself as a bass guitar virtuoso... However, with my level of “musical preparation” I could only try entering the class of choir conducting at Vilnius Tallat-Kelpša music college...

BiL ... and in 2010, in London you conducted the World Chamber Orchestra and the “Locrian Ensemble at St Mary's Church” with musicians from Japan, England, Spain and Lithuania. You received excellent feedback and were invited to conduct this year again. What is special about the summer 2011 concerts in the UK?

BiL Whilst still a student you became the laureate of the Lithuanian (1989) and the International Young Conductors' competitions in Riga (1990). Later you entered the Lithuanian Music and Theatre Academy, where you studied choral and symphonic conducting and learned composition. You even received an Italian Government Scholarship to study symphonic conducting at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena with Gianluigi Gelmetti, the chief conductor of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. You also studied with Polish and Danish composers: Louis Andriessen, Hanna Kulenty, and Zygmunt Krauze. After returning to Lithuania you...

Aleksandras Šimelis. I earned a Master's degree in Composition. As my thesis I wrote the composition “Gloria” for the symphony orchestra, choir and soloists as well as the study “The Modern Orchestra's Interpretation of Music by Gamelan Composers”.

BiL Your creative work is rather kaleidoscopic. What is especially pleasant to remember?

Aleksandras Šimelis. Among the most memorable things – cooperation with the Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra “Orchestra del Festival di Sofia”, the “World Youth Chamber Orchestra” of Rome (Italy), St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra of Vilnius, the Šiauliai Chamber Orchestra, and Oskaras Koršunovas Theater, where I’m the conductor in the play “Make-up Opera”. I have written music for different genres, including anthems and music for a film. In cooperation with St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra, I have released a CD “Stella in Via” (pianist Emilian Madey, soloist Nomeda Kazlauskaitė-Kazlaus). I have been the initiator, organizer, composer and conductor of international projects and festivals, such as “New Faces”, “Drums and Percussions”, “Stella in Via”, “Days of Mexican Culture in Lithuania”.

BiL You have a beautiful creative biography. Was it easy?

Aleksandras Šimelis. Part of the money for tickets to concerts in London, Oxford and Brighton will be given to the British Red Cross, which supports victims of the tsunami in Japan. So the concerts will be important as an expression of humanitarianism and civic activity of musicians and listeners. We have prepared three concert programs and included works by the greatest composers of classical music.

Among them: Antonio Vivaldi, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Richard Wagner, Claude Debussy, and Tomaso Albinoni.

BiL Under your leadership, the PIANO.LT music salon, which opened its doors in the Old Town of Vilnius four years ago, has become famous for memorable concerts.

What have you prepared for this summer?

Aleksandras Šimelis. On August 13-25, the first international “PIANO.LT SUMMER FESTIVAL” will take place. In its program – a concert by the “Jazz Quartet Salzburg–Vilnius”, consisting of two famous Lithuanian jazz musicians Vytautas Labutis and Eugenijus Kanevičius and two young Austrian jazz talents Elias Stemeseder and Max Santner, and a concert by the Russian Horn Capella, which will be visiting Lithuania for the first time. The closing concert of the festival, which will take place on August 25, should also be of interest to music lovers, for we are the only ones in the Baltic States to offer our listeners the opportunity to listen to the world's most luxurious and prestigious Fazioli concert piano, even called the king of the keyboards. Accompanied by the St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra, Claudio Constantini (Peru, Finland) will play the piano and the bandoneon. They will perform compositions by Ludwig van Beethoven and Astor Piazzolla.

BiL Shall we see your new image?

Aleksandras Šimelis. Seržas Gandžumianas, a fashion designer well-known in the Lithuanian as well as the European world of fashion, has created a new stage image for my concert work, which I’m intending to show to the Lithuanian audience after my return from the UK. BiL We wish you new creative challenges. | 111

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A RVY DAS MA LCYS

The acoustic visions BiL What do you feel after a completion of a work?

The stress gradually disappears combining itself with niggles, such as “whether I really made it duly, maybe I have missed anything, whether the version of the episode I have refused in the last moment was more persuadable…”

Completion of the work is not the end of the process: after it, the new phase starts: waiting for the first rehearsal (during it, you can hear unexpected news…), the waiting for the premiere – the first performance.

Only after the premier – if the performers were successful in creation of the persuasive picture of sounds (that sometimes does not absolutely coincide with the initial idea, because performers are masters of interpretation) – complacence comes: the work is born and the future will show whether it will survive, grow and satisfy the needs of listeners…

And after everything, melancholy and spiritual vacuum appears and you feel to be needed and interesting to nobody…until after a certain time, a wish for trying anything new appears, and then an idea and a need for creation of a new work gradually disclose themselves…

With Mstislav Rostropovich in 1996 in Germany

BiL What creation is associated with for you?

For me creation and even my life are associated with a way. ..I go on the way in the unknown direction on a hunch that the direction is correct….On the way, I meet abundant people going in the same direction.

I perceive that many people went on this way before me and many of them will go behind me; however, the way seems to be endless.

I still learn to go side-by-side instead of being brought by anybody…

My life will not be sufficient for having come this way…

For proving your way to be correct it is not necessary to prove that the way of another person is misleading…

With Krzysztof Penderecki at Lithuanian National Philharmonic

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BiL How a creative work appears?

Everything starts from the idea; then I look for ways of its implementation. Sometimes, a certain idea accompanies me from year to year, I get up and go to bed with it; however, I cannot discover its evocation – its form or rhythm or performers or time or mood…

For me, music is not only sounds. It includes the meaning, presentiment, mood hiding behind them. In the process of creation, the first sensation caused by it, such as the image, the feeling, is very important…When I have the initial idea of the work, I can see the whole vision of it. Then I search for acoustic means mostly fit for implementation of the idea – make abundant designs of harmony, rhythm, and instrumentation. When selection of music materials is completed, I begin creating the work.

When I start creating, I need solitude with myself - something similar to full-moon…

I don’t know how to explain an appearance of an artistic work in details…

A certain intuition appears in my pulse and thoughts and the expression of waiting, feeling observing is born as if in a dark pit…

I must rely on subconsciousness and intuition…

With Yuri Bashmet in 2010 in Moscow during intermission, in the process of rehearsing “Vortex”, a piece

by A. Malcys for the Symphonic Orchestra

BiL How the title of a work appears?

Titles appear in a great variety of ways. First of all, the idea of the work appears, then the means of its expression and the form are being formed – they insensibly require identifying the future opus.

The dedication of the work and the expected performers of it impact its title as well. The title is also affected by the environment, literature, other art works and, undoubtedly, personal empathy…

The title is not required to define clearly the idea of the work. It is well, if it helps to perceive the mood of the work. I am happy when the title does not take away a delight of discovery and cognition from a listener. Any work, irrespectively of its success, is a step forwards…

BiL Creators are often described as Bohemian, relaxed, capricious persons.

The activities of a composer, as any other activities bound with creative professions, require self-discipline, good order in the working environment as well as good order and peace in the mind; they require an ability to concentrate one’s thoughts for implementing the ideas. In addition, you must believe in your ideas and feel a permanent creative field around you; in addition to music, you fix many other important things in your consciousness and subconsciousness. You must permanently maintain the “form” of creativity and thinking likewise musicians maintain the playing form… Cancellation, flouncing, postponements are not always useful…

Upon waiting an impulse for creative activities, I am engaged in preparatory works that sometimes are the most important, and when the inspiration comes, I strive to implement the idea, the certain acoustic vision to the maximum possible extent.

BiL Does the everyday life impede your creative activities and how do you distribute the hours of creation?

Creative activities require a strict discipline and you must refuse many things. In a city, I create terribly slowly; probably I cannot concentrate my thoughts because of abundant matters and lures…

The best environment for my creative activities is the center for creative activities and relaxation of composers in Druskininkai.

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In Dmitri Shostakovich’s office in Moscow, in 2010, from the right: the Author - A. Malcys, the Chairman of the Society of Russian Composers - V. Kazerin, legendary publisher's greatgrandson and President of the P. Jurgenson Charitable Fund - B. Jurgenson, and Composer and the President of Moscow Philharmonic - A. Tchaikovsky

There I am alone, nobody prevents me from working, I have no internet (it takes much time in Vilnius); in addition, all “matters” to be settled, remain in Vilnius. So, in Druskininkai I complete a work within two months instead of a half of year in Vilnius. It means that I am not perfect…

BiL Do you like to be outdoors?

We have a homestead and it is my “outdoors”. Generally, I am a child of a city, so the homestead is a source of abundant discoveries, joys, disappointments, new experience and self-cognition for me. I wait impatiently for the spring when I’ll visit the homestead with its pleasant troubles and joys. Care about plants, trees, flowers, the pond and the rock-garden is another form of creation for me. I have an internal need to make anything by the own hands.

However, there are many lures there and they prevent me of composing. I collect mushrooms, dry herbs, go by boat across the lake, and travel by a bike. I like observing and listening birds. Silence filled with birds’ singing if the best music for me - of course, it consists of various halftones and spices…

1999

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"Impetus" manuscript