Happy Independence Restoration Day from E. Kiudulas

Centuries of ideas, but only 35 years of freedom to fully capitalize on them. The anniversary of modern independent Lithuania is absolutely worth celebrating today. Even challenges are worth celebrating, as we are free to find our own ways to overcome them.

35 years may sound like a lot to the younger generation, but the time I’ve spent trying to steer the Klaipėda FEZ business community – over 20 years – is not that much less. The first steps toward establishing free zones in Lithuania were taken even earlier, around the mid-90s, when independent Lithuania was still in its infancy.

At Klaipėda FEZ, I clearly remember a literal green, if not muddy, field with grazing cows more than two decades ago. It eventually transformed into numbers I’m always proud to share: 710 million euros in investment, nearly 3000 direct new jobs, and 675 million euros in taxes paid. The latter refers to the last decade alone.

Such progress is pretty much in line with the rest of Lithuania: you can easily find economic or income figures online. But what our generation remembers is living in a similarly green yet muddy “field” in the early ’90s – a stark contrast to the vast current opportunities to earn, travel, and consume. The “European” lifestyle, once only seen on cable TV, is now already here. And we are totally enjoying and celebrating it.

Both Klaipėda FEZ and Lithuania as a whole had a fair share of challenges throughout this major transformation. Navigating, creating or learning laws, competition and mindsets. Overcoming fears and dealing with the unknown. Trying to believe and making others believe. Failing. You name it. But we are still here and enjoying the most prosperous period Lithuania has ever had.

So, as everyone celebrates success today, I also want to encourage celebrating challenges, along with the people who stood by during difficult times and tough decisions. In my case – colleagues, partners, customers, communities and, of course, my family and friends.

Success never comes without obstacles along the way, but we have the freedom to navigate them, find our own paths, select partners and shape the future on our own terms.

Su Kovo 11-ąją! 🇱🇹

Eimantas Kiudulas and Team Klaipėda FEZ