1. BALTNET -
Bridging New England
with Baltic Nations
Presented by BALTNET
Hartford, CT.
www.baltnetus.com
Fall 2013

2. BALTNET
 BALTNET (Baltic – New England
Development Network, Inc.) is:
 a non-profit organization
 established seven years ago in Connecticut
 provides resources to institutions in
 New England region of the US and
 Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) in areas of:
 Business or trade,
 Educational or academic and
 Cultural or heritage-based partnerships.

3. BALTNET
Mission is to:
facilitate successful development of
partnerships based on cooperation, exchange
of ideas and collaboration between parties from:
 New England (CT, MA, RI, Maine,Vermont,
New Hampshire) and
 Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia).

4. BALTNET Mission
 In general, mission is to:
 bridge countries,
 connect resources,
 develop partnerships,
 establish exchange.
 Promote collaboration and actively support growing business
interests of players from both sites by providing:
 necessary information and
 access to important resources, including:
 transportation, housing,
 seminars and conferences,
 establishment and registration of new business or affiliation
agreements.

5. BALTNET is committed to:
 Increase the visibility of Baltics and NE by helping
others to understand the variety of assets available
 in Baltics:
 highly educated work force,
 innovative economic and technology resources, and
 rich cultural heritage of Baltic States.
 in NE:
 unique opportunities of doing business based on
accessibility to NY and Boston,
 to world famous academic, technical, biomedical and
other research and technology-based institutions,
 to high quality health care network and etc.

6. General info about New England
Location:
the northeastern corner of the United States,
close proximity to New York City.
Six states rich of history and resources:
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Variety of Resources:
 business,
 research and
 educational institutions.

7. Famous Institutions and Industries in NE:
 8 of the nation's top 50 universities.
 13 of its top 50 liberal art colleges.
 Many state-of-the-art universities and medical centers.
 Most famous:
 Yale and
 Harvard Universities
 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
 Industries include:
 pharmaceuticals,
 insurance,
 manufacturing and
 defense-related businesses.

8. Europe: Three Baltic Countries
Central Location
Central European Location

9. GENERAL INFORMATION about BalticsGENERAL INFORMATION about Baltics
 Three Baltic countries:
 Lithuania,
 Latvia,
 Estonia
 Population of 7 - 8
mln.
 Located in geographic
center of Europe
 Lithuania – is
recognized as a center
of Europe
 Neighboring with:
 Scandinavian
countries
 Poland
 Belorussia
 Russia

10. A 90 Million People Market in Baltics
 Historically the Baltic Sea region, with its inter-connecting
waterways and common sea, has acted as major transport
corridor both in itself and for the rest of the world.
 As long as a thousand years ago trading relations between
both the Swedish Vikings as well as the people in Novgorod
area were well established.
 During the Middle Ages the Hanseatic League - 70 Baltic Sea cities -
formed the most dominating trading way in the world.
 The modern Baltic Sea region consists of ten countries
with a combined population of 90 million people.
 The region is unique because of the mix of different countries
bordering the Baltic Sea - the developed economies of Germany and
Scandinavia and the expanding economies of the Baltic States, Poland
and North-West Russia.
 Differences in cost levels between the Scandinavian
countries and the emerging markets of the Baltic countries
and Poland offer companies an ideal opportunity to
combine the advantages of the different parts of the region.

11. Trade and Investment in Baltics
 The Baltic Sea region is the fastest
growing business region in Europe.
 The trade flows between countries in the
region has increased constantly year by
year.
 Foreign direct investments (FDI) have
been increasing significantly.
 The stock of inward FDI in the region as a
whole has been about USD 720 billion a
few years ago, and is growing.

12. Baltic Nations
 The Baltic Nations have been surprising the world
with their rapid growth and development in all the
spheres of life.
 They have always demonstrated their extrovert
character towards the invitations for cooperation from
abroad.
 As democratic members of the EU and NATO they
are strong partners in political, economic, social or
cultural relations with other countries.
 This is because the people from Baltics have never
ceased following the track, the preservation of its
primary values that it chose: investing into their own
people’s education and skills as well as maintaining
friendly relations with its closest neighbors.

13. Baltic Nations (cont.)
 Baltic Nations Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
have:
 rich histories,
 highly educated populations and
 modern businesses that are diverse and
competitive.
 They can boat of stable markets and are skilled
linguists.
 With an eye toward strategic, political and
economic security, they set their sights of
joining:
 NATO and the European Union.

14. Baltic Nations Secrets
 People keep asking “what is the secret of Baltic Nations
rapid growth and what distinguishes it from the other
Eastern European countries?”
 One of most specific features that its people deservedly proud
of, is the extremely high level of education.
 The highest-quality services provided by specialists are
particularly marketable in foreign economies.
 Furthermore, strength and progress is very much based on
country’s long lasting preconditions, such as:
 continuing close economic cooperation with its Scandinavian
states and other countries of the Baltic Sea region.
 Danish, Swedish, German, Russian, Finnish, and
Norwegian businesses have been the biggest investors in
Baltic Nations.

15. All three Baltic Nations are moving forward
Lithuania
 Lithuania got off to an early start on economic
reforms
 has been labeled by investors as on of
Eastern Europe’s economic “tigers”
 joined both the EU and NATO in the spring of
2004,
 is attempting to break from its Russia-
dominated past.
 has built great partnerships with West Europe
countries.

16. Latvia
 These days Latvia and its vibrant capital Riga, is
under siege by a new force: tourism.
 Cheap flights have brought so many visitors to the
Riga Old Town can feel like one of the busiest
places in Europe.
 For visitors it also offers the stunning seacoast
and a beauty of Gaujas Valley National Park, for
investors – many great opportunities.
 Unique network for transportations using port
and railroad systems.

17. Estonia
 Estonia was happy to sever its Soviet bonds in
1990 and has been quick to revive its historical
ties to its Nordic neighbors.
 Finnish tourism and investment helped to
revitalize the nation.
 The wealth that has accumulated in Tallinn is
spreading to other cities.
 Estonians are now proud to take their place as
members of modern Europe.
 Is know for outstanding achievements in
technology (IT), including development of Skype.

18. Main Reasons to Invest in Baltics
 Political and Social Stability
 Followed by Rapid Economic Growth
 Successful Reconstructive Process
 Strategic Location Bridging the EU and the
East countries (including Russia)
 Export Orientated Economy
 Strong FDI Growth
 Well-developed Transportation Networks

19. Other Reasons to Invest in Baltics
 Availability of Well-Trained, Low-Cost
Labor Force
 Low Operating and Living Costs
 Free Economic Zones and Industrial Parks
 Multinational Investor Satisfaction
 Serve as a key to other countries (East
and West Europe)

20. Baltic Nations – a bridge for new collaborationBaltic Nations – a bridge for new collaboration
with Europewith Europe

21. HISTORICALHISTORICAL BBACKGROUND:ACKGROUND:
 Baltics:
 attractive place for
Tourists
 They retained
commitment to
common values:
 Democracy
 rule of law
 individual liberty
 Restored
Independence in 1990
 Have successful trans-
Atlantic integration

22. Reasons to start and develop business in Baltic
States
Easy
 The World Bank Group Report “Doing Business in 2006:
Creating Jobs” named Lithuania one of the World Top 20
economies (15th in the world) and the best of the new EU
states on the ease of doing business.
 Each of the Baltic States has a modern banking and financial
system.
 The modern banking technologies, such as e-banking, etc. are fully
implemented.
 The costs of commercial loans from banks are among the lowest in
Europe, ranging from 5.5% to 6% per year.
 Excellent infrastructures for foreign businesses.
 international airports with direct routes to most European cities
 best roads in the Baltics,
 an ice-free sea port and an efficient railway system.
 fast Internet,
 the number of mobile telephone network subscribers is very high.

23. Reasons to start and develop business in
Baltics
Safe
 They are full members of NATO and the
EU,
 Laws are harmonized with those of the EU,
the countries offer unrestricted movement of
capital and dividends.
 All three Baltic countries have stable and
effective international collaboration and
foreign business growth during more than
20 years.

24. Economics and Trade
Baltic Companies Seeking Partnership in areas of:
 BIO-TECHNOLOGY
 MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
 ELECTRONICS - http://www.elsis.lt
 METAL INDUSTRY & MACHINERY
 FURNITURE
 WOOD INDUSTRY
 TEXTILE INDUSTRY
 AGRICULTURE & FOOD PROCESSING
 SOUVENIRS & GIFTS
 OTHER

25. Major Centers of Technology
 Mostly located in Vilnius, Ryga and Talinn
 Have a long history of achievements:
 For Ex. Laser Research Center in Vilnius,
Lithuania
 Established Department of Quantum
Electronics in 1975.
 Provides teaching of laser science
(quantum electronics, laser physics,
nonlinear optics and spectroscopy,
biophotonics and laser engineering).
 Provides laboratory research in quantum
electronics,, nonlinear optics, laser
spectroscopy, and biophotonics.

26. LITHUANIAN EXPORTS BY SECTORLITHUANIAN EXPORTS BY SECTOR
Metals and
articles from
metals
4.0%
Wood and
articles of
wood
4.9%
Products of
chemical
industry
7.0%
Machinery and
equipment
12.0%
Textiles and
textile articles
9.2%
Transport
means
10.1%
Other
20.0%
Animals,
animal
products;
Prepared
foodstuffs
5.4%
Mineral
products
27.4%
Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics

27. Foreign Direct Investment in Lithuania by CountryForeign Direct Investment in Lithuania by Country
((20052005))
USA
5%
Finland
8%
Other
20%
Germany
13%
Estonia
8%
UK
3%
Netherlands
4%
Russia
12%
Denmark
13%
Sweden
14%
Source: Lithuanian Department of Statistics

28. Foreign Direct Investment by sector
FDI structure 2004, %
Manufacturing
28%
Energy sector
4%
Wholesale&retail
trade
17%
Real estate;Other
businesses
7%
Financial
intermediation
20%
Others
6%
Transport&comm
unications
18%

29. Ways to accomplish BALTNET
Mission
 Bridging countries
 Connecting resources
 Developing partnerships
 Establishing exchanges
 Promoting collaboration
 Facilitating cultural exchange
 Providing services

30. BALTNET Services:
 Discover areas of commercial compatibility
 Develop business partnerships
 Develop academic partnerships
 Facilitate Educational exchange programs
 Facilitate Medical exchange programs
 Educate Baltic and New England businesses
about mutually beneficial opportunities
 Facilitate navigation between business cultures
 Provide insight into business markets in Baltic
Nations and New England.

31. Existing Projects
 BALTNET recently initiated and is participating in the
development of an affiliation agreement between the
Quinnipiac University (new School of Medicine) and
Vilnius University, School of Medicine in Lithuania.
 New School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University is
oriented to Global Health and International exchange
opportunities for faculty and students.
 This agreement seeks to develop collaborative opportunities between these
two academic institutions in areas of curriculum, problem-based learning,
health care and etc. including research-based projects for faculty and
researchers
 It focuses on developing intercultural exchange and global awareness
 It also seeks to develop long-term international partnership with Baltics and
to design and implement Public Health based studies or programs for their
students.

32. Existing Projects
 BALTNET initiated and participated in the signing of an
Affiliation agreement between the University of Connecticut
Health Center (School of Medicine and School of Dental
Medicine) and Kaunas University of Medicine in Lithuania.
 This agreement allowed to develop collaborative
opportunities between these two academic institutions
including interactions between faculty and researchers
 Promoted faculty led research interactions and collaborative
publications.
 It became an example for other academic institutions
seeking to develop international partnerships or global
studies based programs.

33. Research based projects in Ryga,
Latvia
 In July, 2008 members of BALTNET took a trip to
Riga, Latvia.
 the group witnessed the fast growing business
competition and Latvia’s successful integration into
European and global markets
 a reflection of the country’s successful National
Innovation System.
 BALTNET extended an invitation to researchers and companies
to attend MEDI 08 in Hartford, CT on September 9-10.
 MEDI 08 - a comprehensive annual medical conference
and exhibition
 It was presented in partnership with BEACON (Biomedical
Engineering Alliance & Consortium).

34. BALTNET in Ryga, Latvia, 2008

35. BALTNET at MEDI 08

36. Previous Projects.
Follow-up on:
 Follow-up on existing projects, contacts, and identification of
priorities for future collaboration
 Re- establishment of contacts with Lithuanian, Latvian and
Estonian Consulates and Embassies in US
 Re- establishment of contacts with Lithuanian, Latvian and
Estonian Honorary Consuls in the United States and New
England
 Identification of interactions and cooperative work with
CEENET (Central Eastern European Network) and other similar
organizations
 Re- establishment of contacts with Trade and Economy related
Institutions in Hartford, Connecticut and in New England

37. New Projects
 Business Trip to Lithuania during Summer 2014
 Vilnius
 Kaunas
 Exploratory/Visit to Baltics during Summer 2014
 Development of new academic projects based on requests and
accessibility:
 USJ, School of Pharmacy and Kaunas, Pharmacy School
 USJC, Nursing School, and Nursing School in Kaunas, Lithuania
 USJ, School of Health & Natural Sciences, and School of Public Health
and Institute of Biomedicine in Kaunas, Lithuania
 International College student exchange Program (between students in
CT (Saint Joseph College) and students in
 Lithuania or other Baltic States (Latvia and Estonia)
 International High School student exchange Program between students
in High School, Farmington, Connecticut and Vilnius, Lithuania

38. New Projects
 City of Kaunas
 Municipal Officials from Kaunas to visit
Hartford to establish relationships and to
better understand the infrastructure of the city
of Hartford’s management.
 Establishment of Sister City Relationship
between Vilnius and Hartford
 Exchange and collaborative projects in areas
of education, ecologically safe technologies,
alternative energy sources, transportation, city
infrastructure and etc.

39. Other new Projects in progress
 Establish a High School Exchange Program between Connecticut and
the Baltic Region
 ie: Connecticut High School, Farmington and Vilnius High School in Lithuania
 Rocky Hill High School and Alytus High School in Lithuania
 Expand on the Model set up by Hartford Hospital and Estonia –
Collaboration has been established between….
 Planning –Visit to Lithuania – Collaboration with:
 Health Care
 Government
 Education
 Establishment of contacts with Ministry of Economy in:
 Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia
 Establishment of contacts with Economic Development Agencies in all 3 Baltic
Countries
 Vilnius
 Riga
 Talinn

40. Upcoming events and activities:
 BALTNET Business Event
 Attendees: Counsels from Lithuania, Estonia
and Latvia
 Attract Business Partners from Connecticut
and the Baltic Region
 Increase visibility of BALTNET
 Establish Membership in Chambers of
Commerce in:
 Lithuania,
 Latvia
 Estonia

41. Collaboration agreements:
 CEENET - Central Eastern European
Network
 Quinnipiac University
 Jewish Federation
 BEACON - Biomedical Engineering Alliance &
Consortium
 World Affairs Council
 MetroHartford Alliance

42. Working together at MEDI 08

43. Previous Projects:
Follow-up on:
 Collaboration with Laboratory of Biomaterials. Dr. Liga
Berezina
 Center of Technology and Innovations in Riga. Dr. Janis
Spigulis
 Re-establishment of contacts with Latvian-American Chamber
of Commerce in Riga
 Establishment of contacts with Estonian-American Chamber of
Commerce in Talinn
 Establishment of contacts with Lithuanian-American Chamber
of Commerce in Vilnius
 BALTNET Membership at Chambers of Commerce in Baltics
 Establishment of contacts Vilnius University, Lithuania.

44. Previous Projects and Activities in Progress:
DISCUSSIONS-MEETINGS:
 Dr. Chris Niekrash - in April, 2012 to follow-up on:
 Research based project from School of Dental Medicine in Kaunas
 Scientific publication on polyglycans use in patients with periodontitis for
treatment and prevention
 Dr. B. Koeppen – in May 2012 to explore collaboration between Quinnipiac
University and academic institutions in Lithuania - School of Medicine in
Kaunas and Vilnius University
 Interim Head of Health Center Bruce Liang - Academic Deans of School
of Medicine and School of Dental Medicine – in May, 2012
 Planning Visit - Lithuania and the Baltics
 Collaboration between University of Connecticut Health Center and
Latvia/Riga
 Follow up on activities based ion most recent trip to Lithuania,
Summer 2013

45. Other areas of identification:
 Number of Lithuanians-Estonians-Latvians in CT – Communities, businesses
and STATISTICS
 Number of Lithuanians-Estonians-Latvians in New England – Communities,
businesses and STATISTICS
 Fringe Benefit – Tourism:
 Exploratory - Visiting trips to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia
 Bringing family members to Connecticut/New England
 Baltic region Churches in Connecticut/New England STATISTICS
 Cultural Centers
 Strengthen Communities
 Collaboration with Business Schools (UCONN, QU, HU and others).
 Collaboration with Schools of Pharmacy (UCONN, USJ and others).
 Anti-Terorism/Defense System Model in Connecticut and Baltics

46. Representation
 Representation of Academic institutions in USA
and in Baltic countries (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia)
and in New England.
 USA:
 UCONN
 Quinnipiac
 University of Saint Joseph
 MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
 Others
 Baltics

47. Benefit for Hartford, State of CT
and NE region
 Benefits to the State of Connecticut
 Increase visibility
 Advertise the value of doing business in CT
 Build long lasting relationships between the Baltic Region
and Connecticut
 Jobs – Improve the creation of new jobs by promoting the
establishment of new businesses or joined ventures
 Reach for descendants from Baltic Countries - Generations
living/working in Connecticut DEMOGRAPHICS/STATISTICS
 Baltic businesses established in Connecticut – How many? –
description STATISTICS
 Support Medical personnel coming into Connecticut

48. Need for Funds and Support:
 General BENEFITS :
 Increase visibility of Connecticut and New England
 Increase Employment in Connecticut and New England by:
 facilitating partnership and attracting investors
 promoting new opportunities for business and joint ventures to be
established in NE.
 GOAL:
 Maintain a Business Bridge between the
 Baltic Region and Connecticut/New England
 FUNDING :
 Executive and Administrative Personnel
 Support for personnel working on identification of resources for seminars, conferences, business
events
 Support for events and activities related to:
 Business Matching
 Advertisement of opportunities in CT and NE

49. Funding Needs
 Administrative Personnel –
 required to bring BALTNET to the next level.
 We need to employ a dedicated individual to
coordinate what has been accomplished already and
to advance the mission, escalating the business
bridge.
 Planning –
 Increase the visibility and knowledge of the “new”
Baltic Region
 Design and printing of materials
 Increase cultural connections
 Schedule regular events for celebration of cultural
achievements in areas of business, trade or other
professional fields (arts, music and etc.).

50. Other info?

51. Cultural: sites to visit:
Gate of Dawn
Shopping Center Vilnius
Recreation

52. Accommodations
Gate of Dawn
Shopping Center Vilnius
Hotels
Vilnius
&
Kaunas

53. Questions

54. Thank You
~
Dr. Dalia Giedrimiene
BALTNET
Baltic New England Network, Inc.