Taipei: Taiwan's top diplomat for European affairs confirmed on Tuesday that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is reviewing a proposal from Lithuania that seeks increased Taiwanese investment in the Baltic state. Eric Huang, head of MOFA's Department of European Affairs, disclosed that the proposal was received in March and is currently undergoing evaluation.
According to Focus Taiwan, the confirmation follows a report by Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) on April 1, which noted that Lithuania's Foreign Ministry had crafted an action plan aimed at bolstering economic cooperation with Taiwan. The proposed plan emphasizes the development of "sustainable economic ties" and targets potential Taiwanese investments, particularly in Lithuania's high-tech industries. However, specific details of the plan were not made public.
During a weekly MOFA briefing, Huang addressed inquiries about the proposal, indicating that it mainly builds upon existing collaborations in sectors such as lasers, medical AI, and fintech. "We at MOFA are in the process of reviewing the proposal, as it requires further consideration and cross-ministerial discussions," Huang explained.
Additionally, Huang responded to comments made by Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene, who had previously remarked that Taiwan had yet to fully honor its economic commitments following the establishment of the Taiwanese Representative Office in 2021. Huang, who was the office's inaugural chief, cited investment and trade data to underscore Taiwan's contributions. Since 2021, Taiwan has invested over 16.8 million euros (US$19.35 million) in Lithuania, and Huang promised to advocate for more Taiwanese investment.
Furthermore, Lithuania's exports to Taiwan surged to US$60 million in 2025, marking a 63 percent rise from 2024. Meanwhile, Taiwan's exports to Lithuania also increased by 13.6 percent year over year, reaching US$105 million in 2025, according to Huang.
The relationship between Taiwan and Lithuania has strengthened in recent years, marked by the establishment of mutual representative offices. However, Beijing vigorously opposed Lithuania's 2021 decision to permit the use of "Taiwanese" in the name of Taiwan's representative office in Vilnius, viewing it as a challenge to China's sovereignty claims over Taiwan. Consequently, China took retaliatory actions, including recalling its ambassador to Vilnius, expelling Lithuania's ambassador to Beijing, suspending direct freight rail services, and limiting Lithuanian exports to China.
Despite efforts to mend diplomatic relations with China after a new Lithuanian government assumed office in late 2024, Lithuania has not requested a name change for Taiwan's representative office in Vilnius.