Klaipėda FEZ companies planted 33 community trees and honored a visionary’s memory

Last week, near the main entrance to the Klaipėda FEZ, members of the business community planted trees symbolizing unity and growth. The initiative also served to honor the memory of one of the FEZ’s co-founders, who passed away this spring.

The event was attended by company managers, members of the Klaipėda FEZ team, as well as Klaipėda Mayor Arvydas Vaitkus.

Eimantas Kiudulas, head of the Klaipėda FEZ, thanked the investors for rolling up their sleeves and noted that the newly planted community trees represent only the first step toward creating an actual FEZ forest in the future.

“Let’s take root so we can continue to grow. As investors, you’ve already put down roots here and helped turn this area into something big and beautiful. Both the business community and the FEZ forest are being grown together – by the city, the companies and the FEZ. I wish everyone continued growth” said Kiudulas.

Mayor Arvydas Vaitkus, who joined the event, described the initiative as “one of the best hours of his working week.”

“Many metal capsules have been buried here to mark new beginnings, but trees are a living part of the environment. They show that this community not only works hard but also cares about nature and the environment. That’s very important in our lives, and environmental matters are among the most frequent topics we hear about from the city’s residents. Let’s make the city greener together, and let these trees symbolize the growth of the FEZ community,” the mayor said.

He also noted that last year, after a long pause, large-scale greenery planting resumed across Klaipėda’s streets. This year, an ambitious project is planned for Baltijos avenue, which includes hundreds of new trees and thousands of shrubs and flowers.

Among the participants were FEZ board chairman and shareholder Povilas Vasiliauskas, as well as board member and one of the largest shareholders Shahriar Ahy. Both have been involved in the development of Klaipėda FEZ since its earliest days. They congratulated the community on its remarkable progress over recent decades, wished it continued success, and paid tribute to Dr. Pierre Jean Everaert, one of the zone’s founding visionaries who recently passed away.

“What sparked doubt, smiles or even sarcasm in some people 30 years ago was transformed – thanks to Pierre and his like-minded peers’ insight, belief and energy – into one of the country’s most successful business communities. Pierre was a true trailblazer at a time when doubt was common and support was rare. He changed many of our lives, so let his tree’s roots spread widely under this soil and let its branches grow wide beneath our skies,” said Vasiliauskas.

Shahriar Ahy, who first visited Klaipėda 33 years ago and immediately believed in it, reminded the crowd of Pierre Everaert’s perspective: that the past should be seen like a car’s rear-view mirror – very small compared to the wide and promising view through the front windshield.

“So these trees are about a bright future. I believe Pierre is looking down on us, grateful and wishing us all the best,” said Ahy.

All these words and thoughts were warmly received by Pierre’s son, Filip Everaert, who thanked the participants. Filip has been actively involved in FEZ operations for several years now, helping attract investors and supporting the day-to-day activities of existing businesses. According to the FEZ team, Filip has successfully inherited his father’s commitment, ideas and support.

The Klaipėda FEZ currently unites more than 45 companies with investor status and around 3000 employees. In 2023, the total turnover of FEZ companies exceeded €1.3 billion. Since its founding, the zone has seen implemented and planned investments totaling €825 million in foreign and local capital.