Lithuania – the Network of Five Big Cities
The last five decades in Lithuania was a period of intensive urban development. Unlike in the other two Baltic States, Lithuanian cities evolved in a polycentric way. As a consequence, a network of five large cities was formed and convenient communications among towns were established.
Preparing real estate development and investment projects, each city of the Lithuanian urban network is aiming to emphasise its advantages and sees the future in a particular way: Vilnius, the European Capital of Culture 2009, is open to contemporary culture and art; the newest scientific and technological ideas meet in Kaunas, which is well-known as a logistics, industrial and knowledge economy city; the port city of Klaipeda offers endless improvisation of new business ideas; Siauliai is distinguished by quality education and high-level industry, whereas Panevezys is starting in a new direction and aims to become the region’s business leader.
In order to expand the urban network further, closer co-operation among cities is being promoted. The newly established Vilnius and Kaunas Region has united the forces of the two largest cities and will increase the economic potential of the whole country. Elektrenai, the very centre of this region, is aiming to become a tourism centre by establishing modern education, recreation and entertainment complexes.
A sustainable and polycentric urban system opens more opportunities for investors to choose the best location and conditions for their business.
ECONOMIC INDEXES OF LITHUANIAN CITIES
| Unemployment rate | Foreign direct investment (en of year) € mln. | Gross domestic product per capita (countries).€ thou. | Gross domestic product (countries) € mln. | |||||
|
2004
|
2003
|
2004
|
2003
|
2004
|
2003
|
2004
|
2003
|
|
| Vilnius |
3.6
|
5.5
|
2.815
|
2.291 2
|
7.6
|
6.8
|
6,446.4
|
5,749.2
|
| Kaunas |
4.1
|
7.8
|
418.9
|
461.1
|
5.1
|
4.5
|
3,483.1
|
3,125.9
|
| Klaip?da |
6.3
|
8.8
|
356.9
|
321.3
|
5.4
|
5.0
|
2,073.1
|
1,935.5
|
| Šiauliai |
4.8
|
8.4
|
39.8
|
38.1
|
4.0
|
3.5
|
1,442.8
|
1,288.5
|
| Panev?žys |
6.7
|
12
|
183.4
|
163.2
|
4.5
|
3.9
|
1,306.8
|
1,162.0
|
| Elektr?nai |
2.5
|
5.3
|
4.9
|
5.8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
