The Round-Table Discussion on the Global Lithuania Investment and Loan Fund

Today, on October 25, 2024, a Round-Table discussion was held at the Consulate General of Lithuania in New York City, organized in conjunction with President Gitanas Nausėda’s attendance at the UNGA 79 High-Level Week.

The discussion focused on the establishment of a Global Lithuania Investment and Loan Fund. The session began with a keynote discussion featuring H.E. Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania, who was introduced by Ambassador Audra Plepytė, Lithuania's Ambassador to the USA and Mexico.

President Nausėda emphasized the potential of a diaspora investment fund to significantly contribute to the transformation and advancement of the Lithuanian economy, citing successful global practices that demonstrate the benefits of state-diaspora cooperation.

The fireside chat with President Nausėda was moderated by Ms. Krista Bard, Honorary Consul General of Lithuania in Pennsylvania.

The broader group engaged in dialogue about Lithuania's achievements in enhancing security and economic resilience. The group conversation was moderated by Vaidas Augustinavičius, Financial Policy Adviser to the President of the Republic of Lithuania. Participants explored various strategies to strengthen ties with the diaspora and discussed the importance of collaboration in fostering growth.

Elijus Čivilis, head of Invest Lithuania, presented insights into the favorable investment climate in Lithuania, and the promising opportunities in attractive sectors that await potential investors. Meanwhile, Dainius Vilcinskas, head of the national development institution ILTE, showcased the exciting capital available, and highlighted the country’s commitment to creating a robust environment for investors.

Inga Klimasauskiene, a representative from BACC, presented statistics showing a gradual increase in emigration over the past three decades, along with significant remittance inflows to Lithuania. She stressed the importance of exploring existing diaspora fund models from other countries and asserted that now is the time to develop the most effective model for Lithuania and its diaspora.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to further explore the Diaspora Investment and Loan Fund initiative within an expert group comprised of diaspora members and Lithuanian financial professionals, fostering collaboration and innovation in investment opportunities.

BACC is a nonprofit organization based in New York dedicated to enhancing business relations between the United States and the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). This Round-Table discussion aligns with our mission to support economic growth and investment opportunities for our members, fostering collaboration that benefits both regions.