Nature dictates that Vilnius is cold and covered in snow for up to six months of the year. Yet you’d be hard pressed to find a warmer city. Blessed with both natural and man-made beauty, an unpretentious charm and ebullient sense of fun, the capital of Lithuania manages to be everything many more established EU centres still purport to be but are not: welcoming, affordable, enthusiastic and tolerant, whatever your business, opinions, politics or preconceptions. Small wonder that the genuine heart of Europe – the acknowledged geographical centre of the continent is 20km north of the city – is also home to the region’s fastest growing economy. Early days under the EU banner it may be for the largest Baltic state. But Vilnius, an age-old administrative, political, cultural and merchant centre, remains staunchly individual and unfettered in outlook, shunning subservience and far from being a one-trick pony or self-absorbed former Soviet Bloc supplicant to the largesse of Brussels. No new chance is frozen out nor potential obstacle unexamined here. Amber is the national treasure but green for go the more appropriate colour. A long history of autonomous thinking – 1,000 years for Lithuania come 2009 – has imbued Vilnius with more than just the glorious baroque and gothic architecture that has mercifully been spared unwanted occupation or the ravages of war. With an apparently in-bred civic ethos, anything is possible if you are aware and open to opportunity. Vilnius exudes a determined spirit of can do, drawing on a powerful work ethic and highly educated workforce; comfortable in its own still-modest skin and ability to deliver on demand, nurturing trade with partners old and new without overdue fuss or the creation of artificial barriers. The simplification of business entry procedures and proposed abolition this year of tax on corporate capital gains are just two examples. In short, this is a city that combines polite, if unashamed, ambition with an as yet unassuming, laid-back and easy-going demeanour, a safe and friendly place to do business or explore new
opportunities. Since independence and the switch to a market economy 17 years ago, unemployment has been cut to near zero, and 80% of Lithuania’s formerly state-owned enterprises have been successfully privatised alongside latter-day entry to the World Trade Organisation, EU and membership of NATO. Vilnius is where deals are signed and business dovetails, whether you are in IT, biotech, electronics, furniture, textiles, automotives, chemicals or other heavy industries. A vastly improved selection of hotels, and the rapidly expanding skyrise business district of Snipiskes, are testament to growth and demand for a more stereotypical EU persona. Meanwhile, follow the beautiful people for fun, food and entertainment in the wonderfully preserved and atmospheric Old Town, where powerful drinks and the latest in hip and chic outlets rub shoulders with cobblestone streets and fairy-tale church spires. Fast facts
Currency: Lithuanian litas, although implementation of the Euro is under discussion. (€1=LTL3.45/US$1=LTL2.64) Tipping: generally only when merited, in which case 10% is regarded as reasonable. Round up fares for taxi drivers Time: GMT+2 (GMT+1 summer) Electricity: 220 volts (Europeanstyle two-pin plugs) Public holidays 2007: February 16; March 11*; April 8*, 9; May 1, 6*; July 6; August 15; November 1; December 25, 26 *Sunday – a day may be given in lieu Climate: extremes of temperature, with bitterly cold winters (sub-zero) and often sweltering summers (30oC); rainfall is fairly evenly spread throughout the year and it is wise to take an umbrella Airport: one of the closest to any European capital, just 6km (3.5 miles) south of the city centre; there are public buses to the centre (Gedimino) and to the main railway station; metered taxis cost around €13.50 for the journey, which takes 10-15 minutes depending on the time of day Hotels: international brands nclude Best Western, Comfort, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Le Meridien, Quality and Radisson SAS; among the other choices are the Artis, Ecotel, Nautilis, Ratonda, Sarunas and Stikaliai Business hours: 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-18.00 Monday-Friday International dialling code: 370 In emergency: 112 (police, fire and ambulance) Business do’s and don’ts:
Do bear in mind that business tends to be conducted in a fairly formal atmosphere Do make appointments in advance and confirm them prior to the meeting Do be prepared for lingering bureaucracy – a hangover from the former regime Do remember the ground floor is referred to as the first floor Don’t make appointments in July or August when many people are likely to be on holiday Don’t be tempted to light up – smoking was banned in public places from January 1 Don’t take chrysanthemums as a gift if invited to a Lithuanian home – they are regarded as funeral flowers
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