Search for a dialogue between government and business: less regulation, more cooperation
The president of the Vilnius Chamber of Commerce emphasized the importance of business participation in economic policy and collaboration with the government.
Sigitas Leonavičius, the president of the Vilnius Chamber of Commerce, initiated a discussion highlighting the necessity for the business community to not only seek a stable investment environment but also to actively participate in shaping economic policy. He asserted that businesses, as creators of the economy, should engage collaboratively with the government and parliament in addressing economic issues to maintain competitiveness within the European Union. Leonavičius pointed out that without this engagement, Lithuania risks losing its competitive edge on a broader scale.
Leonavičius's remarks come in the wake of recent controversies surrounding tax reform, where segments of the business community felt ignored. He acknowledged that the responsibility for effective dialogue lies with both parties, suggesting that both the government and the business sector have made missteps. However, he also indicated that these mistakes present opportunities for correction and improvement, reinforcing the idea that both government and business entities must work together to foster a more conducive economic environment.
Moreover, former justice minister Gintautas Bartkus highlighted during the discussion that the abundance of laws remains a significant barrier to productive dialogue between the two sectors. By simplifying regulations and promoting a collaborative framework, both government and business can better focus on addressing practical economic challenges, fostering a more efficient and responsive economic policy environment that benefits both sides.