Lithuania to sign agreement with Rheinmetall for construction of shells production plant
Photo: Minister of Economy and Innovation of Lithuania Ausrine Armonaite (Facebook)
Lithuania will sign an agreement with the German defense company Rheinmetall within two weeks. The agreement provides for the construction of a defense plant, according to the Lithuanian Minister of Economy and Innovation Ausrine Armonaite.
She notes that the Lithuanian Seimas took a step towards adopting a law that will allow such companies to start working in the country earlier.
"We are working with the company, and I think certain agreements will be signed in the next two weeks. I can't comment on the details yet, because not everything has been agreed upon yet," Armonite says.
According to the Minister, the initiated amendments to the law that will facilitate Rheinmetall's entry will make the country one of the most favorable for the defense industry.
She notes that negotiations are already underway with defense companies from the US and France.
Amendments to laws
The Lithuanian Seimas approved amendments to legislation that will allow large defense companies to start developing projects in Lithuania faster.
The amendment will allow large manufacturers to start developing projects before obtaining a building permit. After the debate, 99 MPs voted in favor, 11 abstained, and 3 voted against.
The Committee on Economic Affairs was approved as the main committee to discuss the project. The draft law is expected to return to the plenary session on April 18.
Earlier, Rheinmetall announced plans to build a plant in Lithuania to produce 155 mm artillery ammunition.
