"Verslo Žinios" podcast with the Bank's Country Manager Leda Iržikevičienė
Now is a favorable time for Lithuanian businesses, which have room for borrowing and growth, says Leda Iržikevičienė, Country Manager of "OP" Lithuanian branch, who participated in the "Verslo Žinios" podcast. Corporate loans account for only 14% of the country's GDP, which is half the EU average.
With journalist Naglis Navakas, the bank's Country Manager discussed customer sentiment, which remains positive - the economy is growing, the transportation and real estate sectors are recovering, railway infrastructure is improving, and companies at the Klaipėda port are showing strong results.
In the future, banks will have the opportunity to contribute to the financing of the defense sector in Lithuania. Finland's example shows that with proper preparation, major global companies like "Microsoft" and "Google" invest hundreds of millions - in Finland, they are establishing data centers.
This year, technological expansion will continue, with banks investing in the implementation of artificial intelligence, which can help control rising costs and enhance competitiveness. Sustainability will also remain a key focus. Lithuanian companies are quick to adapt to macroeconomic changes, making it crucial for Lithuania to stay competitive as a country and attract investors.
The full conversation in Lithuanian is available on the Verslo Žinios portal.