The Forum was opened and welcomed by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway. The #defense ties between Lithuania 🇱🇹 and Norway 🇳🇴 stand as keystones within the broader #NATO alliance, playing a pivotal role in regional #security and #defense capabilities.
During the recent Business Forum, organized by the Norvegijos ambasada Lietuvoje – Norwegian Embassy in Lithuania and the Norwegian – Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Lithuanian and Norwegian Defence and Security Industries Associations, highlighting the role of the #business sector in fostering a resilient total defense system crucial for societal functions and fostering growth within the defense industry ↗️📈!
The exchange of expertise and technologies between two nations, particularly in areas such as ✈️ 🌍 air defense where Norwegian technologies play a vital role, exemplifies the depth of cooperation and mutual dedication to regional security.
With a focus on enhancing defense capabilities and ensuring preparedness in the face of evolving security challenges, both countries have set forth ambitious goals:
🌍 strengthening defense and security infrastructure;
🌍 boosting investments in the defense industry, promoting the development of advanced technologies;
🌍 diminishing reliance on foreign suppliers.
🔗 To this end, Lithuania has committed to increasing its defense budget to at least 3 percent of its GDP, with a substantial portion earmarked for modernization efforts, reflecting a concerted effort to adapt to emerging threats.
🔗 Cybersecurity has emerged as a critical frontier in the realm of defense, with both nations acknowledging the imperative of fortifying their digital defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
🔗 Furthermore, recognizing the innovative potential of startups, efforts are underway to integrate these agile entities into national defense systems, albeit with challenges.
🔗 Addressing the forum, key stakeholders emphasized the necessity of clarity in priorities, predictability in decision-making processes, and the streamlining of public procurement systems to facilitate the participation of both local and international suppliers.
🔗 Additionally, there was a consensus on the importance of manufacturing within the region and in Lithuania, underlining the strategic significance of wise and transparent defense spending.
🔗 Despite notable strides, challenges persist, particularly regarding the ramp-up of ammunition production and the adaptation of national frameworks to meet evolving security realities.
However, concerted efforts are underway, including extensive discussions between industry stakeholders and government entities, aimed at finding viable solutions to these challenges.
In parallel, the Norwegian 🇳🇴 defense industry stands as a global exemplar of competitiveness and profitability, with a significant presence both domestically and internationally.
This industry’s success is attributed in large part to its emphasis on market access, international partnerships, and optimized supply chains, which have been identified as crucial success factors in navigating the complex landscape of global defense markets.
In conclusion, the defense partnership between Lithuania 🇱🇹 and Norway 🇳🇴 serves as a keystone of #NATO’s collective security, underpinning regional stability and resilience.
Thank you to our distinguished soeakers:
🔹Greta Monika Tučkutė, Vice-Minister of National Defence
🔹Kyrre Lohne, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
🔹Žilvinas Tomkus, Vice-Minister of National Defence
🔹Karolis Žemaitis, Vice-Minister of the Economy and Innovation
🔹Giedrimas Jeglinskas, Atlantic Council
🔹 Andrius Nikitinas, Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists
🔹Bård Ljones Stenberg, Nammo
🔹Tom Ivar Stie, FSi
🔹Kristijonas Vizbaras, Brolis Semiconductors
🔹Tomas Garuolis, Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists
🔹Žilvinas Kvedaravičius, Kongsberg NanoAvionics
🔹Aivaras Kašuba, Rheinmetall
🔹Jussi Voutilainen, Nammo Lapua Oy
🔹Moderator: Edvinas Kerza (Scale Wolf)
We want to thank our great Sponsors and Organizers of the Business Forum “Creating Partnerships for Regional Defence”!
Norvegijos ambasada Lietuvoje – Norwegian Embassy in Lithuania 🇳🇴!
Jotron was established in 2001 in Kaunas, Lithuania and is an integral part of the production facilities within Jotron AS. Jotron AS is a privately own Norwegian company and a #world #leading supplier of high-performance safety products and systems for #maritime and #aviation markets.
Minordija for more than 20 years, Minordija has been supplying the highest quality and innovative #food #ingredients to bakeries, confectionery companies and other food industry sectors. Minordija belongs to one of the largest Norwegian companies ORKLA ASA and is part of it’s group Orkla Food Ingredients.
As well thank you to Ergolain. Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius for the hospitality 🙌
#defence #security #partnership #nlcc #buisness #opportunities
