Building Transatlantic Momentum: A Field Report from Vilnius

The Canada–Lithuania Chamber of Commerce spent the past week on the ground in Vilnius to deepen ties across government, industry, and the innovation ecosystem. Representing the Chamber, Al Pace and Nick Simone met with public- and private-sector leaders, participated in conference programming, and sat down with companies exploring growth in Canada. The through line across every conversation was clear: there is real appetite—and a practical path—for Canada–Lithuania collaboration in life sciences, advanced technology, and globally scalable services.

Government-to-government touchpoints: policy clarity and partnership signals

Our visit began with a briefing and meetings facilitated by Invest Lithuania, which provided a detailed overview of Lithuania’s strengths: an agile R&D environment, a coordinated approach to investment attraction, and a tech‑savvy talent base. These sessions were substantive, data‑driven, and solution‑oriented—exactly the tone required for cross‑border business building.

A meeting with Lukas Savickas, Minister of the Economy and Innovation of Lithuania, reinforced that tone. Discussion focused on tangible ways to accelerate two‑way trade and investment: streamlining information flows for prospective investors, identifying priority sub‑sectors where Canadian and Lithuanian firms can co‑develop solutions, and showcasing commercial wins that inspire others to follow. From our perspective, these public‑sector touchpoints matter. They give companies the confidence that both jurisdictions are aligned on competitiveness, regulatory transparency, and the value of international collaboration.

 

Ecosystem engagement: life sciences front and center

Lithuania’s life sciences cluster is growing quickly, and our week coincided with Life Sciences Baltics 2025. On the Insights Stage, Al Pace and Nick Simone joined Nicolas Lepage (Embassy of Canada) and Lithuanian industry leaders for a session titled “Expanding Transatlantic Connections: Opportunities for Canada–Lithuania Life Sciences Collaboration.” The conversation highlighted three practical opportunities:

1. Joint research and product development. Canadian strengths in biotech and health innovation pair well with Lithuania’s agile clinical, data, and manufacturing capabilities.
2. Commercial pathways. For Lithuanian firms, Canada can serve as both a sophisticated home market and a North American springboard. For Canadian firms, Lithuania offers high‑quality partners and access to the EU market.
3. Talent and know‑how exchange. Short programs, secondments, and targeted training can move knowledge across borders faster than traditional models.

We also joined a Vilnius Chamber session on Canadian trade, innovation, and investment where the room’s questions were pointed and practical—from regulatory expectations to timelines for scaling. The takeaway: companies on both sides are looking for credible, step‑by‑step routes into new markets, not just high‑level aspiration.

 

Company meetings: from interest to implementation

Transatlantic cooperation only becomes real when companies decide to act. Throughout the week, we met organizations at different stages of their Canada strategy:

• Teltonika (connectivity/IoT): With operations already touching North America, Teltonika is assessing options to expand in Canada. Discussions examined routes to market, local partnerships, on‑the‑ground support, and how Canadian capabilities—from distribution to advanced manufacturing know‑how—could accelerate growth.
• iLunch (food service/tech‑enabled quick service): This Lithuanian daily‑lunch concept demonstrates how smart ordering and operations can deliver speed without sacrificing quality. Our meeting focused on what a Canada entry might entail: local partners, pilot locations, and ecosystem connections that would set the stage for a thoughtful rollout.

Across these conversations, two common threads emerged. First, Canada is seen as a stable, innovative, and strategically valuable market—not just for revenue, but for learning and co‑development. Second, success depends on credible local partnerships and practical road‑mapping: who to meet, what milestones to hit, and how to manage risk while moving quickly.

 

What we heard

Over dozens of interactions, we consistently heard the same needs from Lithuanian and Canadian stakeholders:

• Clarity on market‑entry sequencing—what to do first, what can wait, and where to get unbiased help.
• Connections to vetted partners—distributors, research groups, corporate innovation teams, and early customers.
• Context on the regulatory landscape—how standards, certifications, and privacy frameworks compare and how collaboration can comply from day one.
• Confidence that time spent exploring will convert to real options and measurable progress.

These are exactly the gaps a bilateral chamber is designed to close.

 

Our role: convene, connect, catalyze

We exist to make cross‑border business easier. Our work in Vilnius focused on three verbs:

1. Convene. We bring together the right people—policy makers, investors, corporates, SMEs, and researchers—so conversations move quickly from introductions to problem‑solving.
2. Connect. We match firms with partners that fit: distribution channels, innovation collaborators, and local operators who know how to execute.
3. Catalyze. We help turn intent into action—curating agendas, mapping milestones, and keeping momentum between meetings, conferences, and missions.

This week confirmed that both ecosystems are ready to move. Lithuania brings focused strengths in life sciences, data‑driven health, and high‑value manufacturing, alongside a responsive public sector. Canada brings market scale, capital, and deep sector experience across biotech, medtech, AI‑enabled health, and connectivity/IoT. Put together—and supported by targeted introductions and practical guidance—the opportunity set is compelling.

 

What’s next

Following this visit, we will:

• Compile a short market‑ready brief for Vilnius contacts outlining Canadian entry considerations and key introductions by sub‑sector.
• Organize targeted virtual roundtables to keep conversations warm and identify near‑term pilots.
• Scope a two‑way delegation for 2026 focused on life sciences and advanced technology, with agendas centered on lab visits, corporate innovation teams, and investor conversations.

We welcome member ideas for topics and hosts on both sides of the Atlantic.

 

Acknowledgments

Our thanks to the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of Lithuania, Invest Lithuania, Life Sciences Baltics, Vilnius Chamber, and the company teams who shared their time and insight. Special appreciation to our hosts and everyone who contributed to open, practical discussions throughout the week.

 

Connect with us

If your organization is exploring trade, investment, or partnership opportunities between Canada and Lithuania—whether in life sciences, connectivity/IoT, advanced manufacturing, or related services—connect with us. We can provide warm introductions, market context, and curated next steps that move opportunities from interest to implementation.

Let’s build the next wave of Canada–Lithuania collaboration together.