Finnish-Lithuanian Trade Association marked its 20th anniversary
Finnish-Lithuanian Trade Association celebrated its 20th anniversary in September 2014. On this occasion, a seminar “Euro and Small Countries – Gain or Pain?” was organized on September 23 in the Representation of the European Commission in Helsinki. The advantages and disadvantages of joining the euro area were discussed during the seminar since Lithuania will join the euro area on 1 January 2015. However, this topic is relevant not only to Lithuania, but to all the EU member countries.
H.E. Mr. Arūnas Jievaltas, Ambassador of Lithuania in Finland, welcomed the guests of the seminar. Ambassador thanked the Finnish-Lithuanian Trade Association for promoting economic relations between Lithuania and Finland and helping Lithuanian business to enter the Finnish market.
Best experts in their field were presenting their points of view on the topic of the seminar:
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Mr. Johnny Åkerholm, Chairman of the Board, University of Vaasa, former President of the Nordic Investment Bank, started the seminar with keynote speech “Euro and member states, safety net or straitjacket? “
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Mr. Aloyzas Vitkauskas, Vice Minister of Finance of Lithuania, presented Lithuanian expectations of the Eurozone membership.
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Ms. Arina Anreicika, Head of Euro Bureau, Ministry of Finance of Latvia, shared Latvian experiences after joining the Eurozone.
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Mr. Jorma Alanne, Executive Vice President, Head of Baltic Banking and International Development, Pohjola Bank Plc, pointed out finance sector’s observations on the euro in small countries.
Panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Urho Blom, Executive Consultant, Eurofacts Oy, member of the board of Finnish-Lithuanian Trade Association.
The seminar was organized by the Finnish-Lithuanian Trade Association in cooperation with the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Europe Network.
