Paulius Lukauskas has been appointed Head of the Lithuanian Trade Representation in Taipei, which will start operating in September.

The Lithuanian Trade Representation in Taipei is expected to help develop Lithuania’s economic representation in the Southeast Asian region and accelerate the implementation of joint projects with Taiwan.

„Taiwan is included in Lithuania’s priority markets for innovation cooperation, exports and foreign direct investment. In the first half of this year, exports of goods and services of Lithuanian origin to Taipei increased by one third and have already reached EUR 11.5 million. It is clear that Lithuanian businesses are discovering this new market. The fact that our delegate is working in Taipei for the first time will not only help diversify Lithuania’s economic representation in the Asian region, but also promote mutual technological cooperation,” said Aušrinė Armonaitė, the Minister of the Economy and Innovation.

In addition, bilateral agreements have been signed in the semiconductor, laser and biotechnology sectors, and increased scientific cooperation is planned.  Only in January-June 2022, the turnover of goods between the two countries amounted to €90.6 million, an increase of 92.6% compared to the same period in 2021.

A total of 8 persons applied for the post in a selection process conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS). Mr P. Lukauskas recently worked for the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and has more than 20 years of experience in business, having held senior positions in various business companies. He is a graduate of Vytautas Magnus University and ISM University of Management and Economics and holds a Master’s degree.

The possibility for the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation to establish Lithuanian Trade Representations in countries where Lithuania does not have diplomatic missions or consular offices was created when the Seimas approved amendments to the Law on Budgetary Institutions.

There are 66 countries with trade missions in Taiwan, including 15 EU Member States, including Finland, Germany, France, Sweden, Slovakia and others.

Lithuania currently has commercial attachés in the following countries: the UK, the USA, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Israel. By 2024, the number of Commercial Attachés will be increased to 23.

The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation is currently conducting selection and recruitment procedures for the position of Commercial Attaché of the Republic of Lithuania in Japan, South Korea, the USA, Germany and Poland. The new attachés will strengthen Lithuania’s economic representation globally and in the strategically important markets of the USA and Germany, where 3 commercial attachés will be based.