Lithuanian Trade Representative Office in Taipei Now in Operation 立陶宛駐台經貿代表處 本週已開始運作

The first Lithuanian representative appointed to Taiwan has ended his quarantine and applied for his diplomatic certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

The Lithuanian flag is hung outside the TWTC International Trade Building. Its horizontal tricolor of yellow, green, and red stood out among other flags. Words come that the Lithuanian Trade Representative Office in Taipei is slated to start operation this week. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed that Paulius Lukauskas, who has been appointed to lead the trade representative office, has completed his quarantine upon reaching Taiwan and is in the process of applying for a diplomatic certificate.

Chen Li-kuo, Director-General, Dept. of European Affairs, MOFA: “He applied for a diplomatic certificate on the first working day after the Mid-Autumn Festival long weekend, which was Sept. 12. The Lithuanian Trade Representative Office in Taipei is considered in operation as soon as Paulius Lukauskas finished quarantine and reported to the office.”

The Lithuanian Trade Representative Office in Taipei is now in operation, but the office is not yet fully equipped. Will there be an opening ceremony? The MOFA said they are still communicating with the Lithuanian government for detail and will offer assistance whenever needed.

Chen Li-kuo, Director-General, Dept. of European Affairs, MOFA: “This is the fourth visit by a Lithuanian government official on a vice minister level. The Head of the new trade representative office Mr. Paulius Lukauskas will accompany the delegation as they make different visits throughout this trip. The MOFA would again like to extend our warmest welcome to them all.”

Meanwhile, Lithuania's Economy and Innovation Vice Minister Karolis Zemaitis also arrived in Taipei on the 10th, leading a delegation of 28 officials and representatives to further strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and Lithuania. Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs and External Trade Development Council together held a Taiwan-Lithuania Business Day on the 12th to explore business opportunities of over US$30 million for cooperation.

台北市信義區國貿大樓外，掛上立陶宛國旗，黃綠紅3色相當明顯，立陶宛來台設立經貿代表處，傳出本週就將開始運作，外交部證實首任駐台代表盧百利已抵台完成隔離，並向外交部提出核發外交官員證。

外交部歐洲司長陳立國說道：「包括在中秋連假後第一個上班日，就是9月12日，已經向外交部提出申請核發外交官員證，立陶宛政府在盧百利代表本人抵達台灣履新之後，其駐台機構基本上已視為開始運作。」

立陶宛駐台代表處正式運作，不過由於辦公室目前軟硬體都尚未完備，是否會有揭牌儀式，外交部表示持續與立陶宛保持密切聯繫，提供必要協助。

外交部歐洲司長陳立國表示：「第4位來訪的次長級官員，並且由剛剛抵台履新的盧百利代表，陪同進行各項參訪拜會行程，外交部再次表達誠摯歡迎。」

同時立陶宛經濟創新部次長率領28人訪團來台，增強台立經貿交流，經濟部與貿協舉辦90場洽談會，商機估超過3000萬美元。