Mar 17 2010, no 292

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Highlights from this issue:

TOP STORIES
- Some 40 manufacturing projects will share LTL 200m+ of direct EU subsidies to start, boost or upgrade production. Yet the decision left sour taste in the mouths of another 160 firms that were denied aid. In the future the government will seek to replace direct EU subsidies with other support instruments, e.g. soft loans (page 2).
- Major food retailers report falling turnover in 2009, and just a few plan new store openings this year. First recovery signs are not expected before mid-2010 (page 10).
- Recession has put long-term investments to test in Lithuania. Market participants share their experience at a recent discussion (page 8).

MANUFACTURING
- Hampidjan rope and net maker tells news2biz an investment project will be put on hold after EU aid flop.
- Export helps manufacturers weather output decrease in 2009.
- Snaige to produce fridges in Kazakhstan, targets CIS markets.
- Norwegian Tipro's metal business falls apart in Lithuania, Latvia.
- Swedish Pharmadule to supply plant extension to Lithuanian Sicor Biotech.
 
FINANCE
- Banksale launches sale portal for property seized by banks, eyes all Baltic states.
- New companies disguise old debtors, credit info firm warns.
 
FOOD & AGRICULTURE
- Finnish-owned Ragutis raises beer market share, cuts logistics costs.
- Latvian investor looking for rapeseed acquisitions in Lithuania.
- Organic farming thrives but still small-scale.
 
PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION
- news2biz learns of Danish-run seaside property project targeting Russians.
- In the shadows of past glory: Estonian Uus Maa property broker goes bankrupt in Lithuania, licences local partner to use the brand.
- New land appropriation regulations would speed up public infrastructure projects.

RETAIL & SERVICE
- Vilniaus Prekyba owners diversify risks in Estonia, tell news2biz how.
- Employer confederation promotes franchising concept.
- Latvian firm becomes first Lithuanian gambling market casualty.

IT & MEDIA
- Norwegian call centre owner shares with news2biz his reasons for settling in Lithuania.
- Norwegian Atea supplies hundreds of schools in Lithuania.
- Mezon WiMax broadband internet leader puts expansion on hold.

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS
- SAS adds 3rd flight in Vilnius, raises capacity in Palanga.
- Denmark’s Kaj Madsen forwarder starts up in Kaunas.
 
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
- Lukoil, Statoil fuel retailers probed on competition restrictions.
- New Ignalina N-plant CEO targets Nukem over foot dragging on major EU-funded projects.
 
ECONOMY & POLITICS
- Fitch upgrades Lithuanian credit outlook. "Encouraging news is flowing from Lithuania," it tells news2biz.
- UABs told to name owners but allowed to remain out of the public eye.
- Deflation widens in February, energy prices fight back.
- Government mulls tax breaks for employing young staff.

EVENTS (all Vilnius)
- UK and France – New Markets for Lithuanians, seminars, 18 & 31 March.
- Norwegian Chamber AGM + social event, 23 March.
- AmCham AGM + presentation, 23 March.
- German Chamber Member Meeting Visit, 23 March.
- Credit market: risks and opportunities, business breakfast, 25 March.
- BCCL AGM + Reception, 25 March.
- Temporary Staffing in Lithuania, 31 March.
- Danish Networking Meeting, 31 March.
- Tax & Legal: Baltic Challenges & Opportunities, conference, 15 April.

KEY FIGURES
- Wages, real earnings, trade, inflation, interest rates, retail trade, industrial output, GDP, key economic data forecast 2009-2011, etc.

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