PM says Lithuania must enhance its maritime sector

The prime minister met with the rector and leadership of Klaipėda University and discussed the university’s prospects. Butkevičius also attended a business forum Business and Science Cooperation: Best Practices and New Opportunities. The forum focused on the activities of the Marine Valley Programme, promotion of science and business partnership and introduction of good examples.

“Klaipėda University must contribute to boosting competitiveness of Lithuania’s maritime sector. It must expand services for business, develop the Marine Valley, expand the infrastructure of maritime sciences and studies, consolidate the scientific potential. Problems which hinder such development must be solved,” Prime Minister Butkevičius said.

According to the prime minister, Lithuania has everything needed for development of internationally marketable and innovative products. Lithuania is leading the European Union in the number of inhabitants with higher education, while Lithuanian scientists enjoy achievements on the international arena, there are 5 science and business valleys and 10 operational science and technology parks. According to Butkevičius, science and business must go deeper – develop research of mineral resources, maritime energy and natural process taking place at sea as well as create technologies needed for maritime industries. The Marine Valley can contribute to this as it was established to enhance Lithuania’s maritime sector, increase its competitiveness on the international level and develop maritime economics.

The Marine Valley unites institutions working in the maritime research field: Klaipėda University, Nature Research Centre, Lithuanian Maritime Academy, Lithuanian Energy Institute and the Fisheries Service under the Ministry of Agriculture.