‘The biggest challenge is the lack of knowledge about Lithuania in Sweden’ – Honorary Consul

This is part of new series by the Lithuania Tribune which is talking to honorary consuls scattered all over the globe about their role promoting the country, about their links with Lithuania, how they build connections between their own country and Lithuania, and how they view the country from abroad.

What is your affiliation to Lithuania? What triggered your interest in Lithuania?

I became interested and involved in the development of the three Baltic States when I was Country Manager in Latvia for the ABB Group during the years 1996­2000. After coming back to Sweden (2000), my Baltic contacts were increasingly with Lithuania after I became engaged in the local Swedish­Lithuanian Society in Västerås, where I was a board member for several years.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a 68 years old partly retired management consultant with extensive international experience from the development of sales and engineering operations in growth markets. I worked 33 years for the ABB Group and subsequently for 10 years as a management consultant specialized in Sustainable Business & Organization Development. I have a strong belief that all enterprises should apply the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility ­ CSR ­ as a basis for all their corporate strategies.

What is the biggest challenge you face when promoting the Lithuania brand in your country? What should we do better?

The biggest challenge is the lack of knowledge about Lithuania in Sweden, both among companies and the public. There should be Lithuania promotion campaigns in Sweden, both directed to the public for increased tourism and to the business sector for increased cross­border trade.

How would you describe your country’s relationship with Lithuania?

The Swedish society is still in the process of re­discovering Lithuania after the 50­year period when Lithuania was “hidden” by the USSR.

What is your next big project in the capacity of being an Honorary Consul of Lithuania?

Organizing B2B matchmaking events between Lithuanian and Swedish companies as a follow up to a business seminar held in Västerås on 1st of March 2016.

What is your favourite thing about Lithuania?

1. The optimism and “go” you find among the people you meet when visiting Lithuania.

2. Learning more about Lithuania’s culture and history.

How did you become an honorary consul of Lithuania?

I was invited to apply by the former honorary consul in Västerås and Västmanland.

If you could describe Lithuania in one word, what would it be?

“European”.

Of course, this is not your full-time occupation, but still, could you describe an honorary consul of Lithuania schedule? Is it a hard work of being an honorary consul of Lithuania in your country?

Since the work is on a voluntary basis, I can to a large degree decide by myself how much time I spend as an Honorary Consul.

Typically, I read the daily newsletter from the Lithuanian MFA every day, respond to inquiries from Lithuanian and Swedish companies looking to develop business between Lithuania and Sweden. A few times per year, I also help to arrange programs for visits to my region by the Lithuanian ambassador and other embassy staff.

What is the difference between an honorary consul and an embassy consul?

It is an honorary post with no remuneration. The work is done on a voluntary basis based on my own financial capacity.

How do you keep informed about the main events in Lithuania?

Via the daily newsletter from the Lithuanian MFA, and via social media.

What are some of your favourite past times?

1. Being honorary consul for Lithuania.

2. Reading about 20th century history; presently mainly about Lithuania and WW2.