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Bilateral linkages with Lithuania are limited. There is a small community of Lithuanian origin centred in Auckland, and as small nations, New Zealand and Lithuania share interests in common.
The trade relationship remains small although the market in dairy products has grown in recent years. It remains to be seen whether Lithuania's role as an entrepot for Russia offers opportunities for New Zealand's exporters. Similarly, scope for cooperation in the agriculture and forestry sectors would benefit from further study. As would prospects for academic and research linkages between universities and scientific institutes.
Land Area: 65,300 square kilometres
Population: 3.5 million
Capital City: Vilnius
Language: Lithuanian is the official language, although Russian is widely understood
Political system: Parliamentary Democracy, although the President plays an important role in foreign policy.
National government: Four party coalition of Social Democrats, Peasant Nationalists, Liberal and Centre Union and Civic Democracy
National legislature: Unicameral Parliament, the Seimas, of 141 members
Last election: June 2004 (President), October 2004 (Parliament)
Next election due: October 2008 (Parliament), June 2009 (President)
Head of State: President Valdas Adamkus elected June 2004
Head of Government: Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas
GDP: US$29.8 billion (2006)
Real GDP growth: – 7.5% (2006)
Exports: US$ 14.1 billion (2006)
Imports: US$ 18.3 billion (2006)
Main exports: Mineral products, machinery and equipment, transport equipment, textiles, chemicals
Current account balance: US$-3.24 billion (2006)
Inflation: -3.6% (2006)
NZ Exports (FOB): NZ$10.2 million
Main Exports: Fish, Wool, Animal products
NZ Imports: (CIF) NZ$0.7 million
Main Imports: aircraft, seats, clothing, chemicals, nets
(Year ended June 2007)
Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus paid a state visit to New Zealand in February 2006. Hon Phil Goff, Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited Lithuania in September 2004. The Lithuanian Speaker led a parliamentary delegation to New Zealand in 1995.
The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Lithuania [external link].
