Liina Vahtras Edvinas Grikšas Viktors Valainis
Minister of Minister of the Minister of
Economy and Industry Economy and Innovation Economics
Republic of Estonia Republic of Lithuania Republic of Latvia
7 October 2026
No. 1/1026-243
Follow-up to Baltic Assembly recommendations on strategic investment cooperation and the
OECD research on cross-border FDI and SME linkages
Dear Ministers,
On behalf of the Baltic Assembly, we would like to express our assurances of highest consideration to the
Baltic Council of Ministers.
On 10-11 September 2026, the joint meeting of the Education, Science and Culture Committee and the
Economics, Energy and Innovation Committee of the Baltic Assembly was held in Vilnius. The discussions
between parliamentarians, government representatives and experts revolved around the creative economy
and tourism competitiveness, as well as promoting responsible and innovative artificial intelligence in
education and research.
During the meeting, we also assessed the implementation of the recommendations of the Baltic
Assembly and concluded that, in several cases, a lack of progress can be observed. We have consistently
emphasised the importance of closer cooperation between Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia in strengthening
the competitiveness, resilience and attractiveness of the Baltic region. In this context, particular attention
has been given to coordinating strategic economic priorities, attracting smart investment, strengthening the
internationalisation of Baltic companies, and facilitating industrial transformation.
The Baltic Assembly has called on the Baltic governments:
⎯ to agree on joint priorities or specialisation of the Baltic States regarding the strategic economic sectors for
encouraging smart investments in the region;
⎯ to start elaborating a common strategy to motivate the Baltic companies to invest in foreign markets,
considering the necessity to attract foreign human capital for Baltic companies without significantly
increasing immigration to the Baltic States;
⎯ to put in place a common platform for sharing experiences between the Baltic States on how to captivate
companies and attract private investments for industrial transformation.
The previously received information on the implementation of the recommendations from the
Governments suggests that cooperation in these areas remains fragmented and largely network-based,
without an established common Baltic platform or a cohesive joint strategy for attracting investment and
supporting industrial transformation.
In this regard, the OECD-European Commission project “Strengthening cross-border FDI and SME
linkages in the Baltic States” is of particular relevance. The Baltic Assembly considers that this work could
provide an important evidence base for identifying opportunities to strengthen linkages between foreign
direct investment and Baltic SMEs, defining areas with pan-Baltic growth potential, and developing more
coordinated approaches to investment attraction.
The Baltic Assembly would appreciate the assessment of the Ministries of whether the OECD findings
provide a sufficient basis for identifying common or complementary strategic sectors with pan-Baltic
growth potential, and whether Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia intend to agree on joint priorities or areas of
specialisation for attracting smart and sustainable investment to the Baltic region.
Furthermore, we would welcome information on whether, in light of the OECD findings, the Baltic States
envisage developing new joint initiatives to strengthen FDI-SME linkages, including measures that would
enable local SMEs to benefit more systematically from foreign investment, international value chains,
innovation cooperation and access to foreign markets.
The Baltic Assembly believes that the value of the OECD research should ultimately be measured by its
translation into practical cooperation. We therefore encourage the Governments to consider how its
conclusions can be transformed into concrete joint initiatives, with clearly identified priorities, responsible
institutions and, where appropriate, a timetable for implementation.
We would be grateful to receive a joint assessment of these matters, including information on any initiatives
already agreed or under consideration within the Baltic Council of Ministers or other relevant formats.
We would highly appreciate receiving clear and detailed answers to the questions and an update on the
implementation of the recommendations by 6 November 2026.
Please accept the assurances of our highest consideration.
Sincerely,
Chair of the Economics, Vice Chair of the Economics, Vice Chair of the Economics,
Energy and Innovation Energy and Innovation Energy and Innovation
Committee of the Committee of the Committee of the
Baltic Assembly Baltic Assembly Baltic Assembly
Marek Reinaas Tomas Martinaitis Kaspars Briškens
Republic of Estonia Republic of Lithuania Republic of Latvia
Contact person: Agnija Antanoviča,
[email protected]
Saatja: "Rovena Berga" <
[email protected]>
Saaja: "Liina Vahtras - MKM" <
[email protected]>,
[email protected],
[email protected]
Teema: LETTER from the Baltic Assembly on strategic investment cooperation and OECD research
Kuupäev: 2026-10-07 06:25
Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga.
Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada.
Dear Madam/Sir,
On behalf of the Baltic Assembly, I am sending you a letter to the Ministers
of Economy of the Baltic States, signed by the Chair and Vice Chairs of the
Economics, Energy and Innovation Committee of the Baltic Assembly, asking
about the implementation of recommendations on strategic investment
cooperation and the OECD research on cross-border FDI and SME linkages.
We would highly appreciate receiving clear and detailed answers to the
proposed questions and other reflections by 6 November 2026.
Sincerely,
BALTIC ASSEMBLY
ROVENA BERGA-MINKEVIČA
Senior Consultant
+371 26121407
<http://www.baltasam.org/> www.baltasam.org
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