Klaipėda FEZ was awarded the EU Compliance Award largely due to its decisions which are in line with the European Union's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives: the airflow and odour monitoring project implemented together with residents and scientific communities; the investments made by the management company and the individual companies in sustainable mobility and green energy; as well as the tens and hundreds of millions in taxes and purchases in Lithuania each year, contributing to a more sustainable economy in the region and the whole country.
Klaipėda FEZ was awarded the 5G Special Prize as one of the first industrial areas in Lithuania and the world to introduce this new generation of connectivity at the end of last year. At the same time, the FEZ management company is implementing Internet of Things (IoT) network technology. Both of these networks are of particular interest to businesses that can develop next-generation robotics and automation solutions.
According to Eimantas Kiudulas, the head of Klaipėda FEZ, these evaluations by fDi Intelligence consistently prove that the strategic directions have been correctly chosen and that they are unique in the global context of free zones.
"Sustainability, innovation and social empowerment are very popular concepts today, so it is nice to be able to speak in deeds, to be visible in these areas, and to have local and foreign investors contributing to these achievements. At the same time, it is an important recognition for Klaipėda as a whole, which strives to be visible as a regional leader in innovation and wants to develop, retain and attract talent," says E. Kiudulas.
The 5G connectivity in the Klaipėda FEZ territory was installed by Telia, which has been testing this technology in Lithuania for almost three years. According to the company's head of corporate clients, Danielius Karpovičius, it is predicted that 5G connectivity will bring changes that will encourage companies around the world to improve their existing services and create new services or even new businesses which will create clear added value. In addition, operators will reap the benefits of 5G by offering new services, including closed 5G networks for enterprises or connecting millions of IoT sensors.
"Together with Klaipėda FEZ, we have taken another strong step towards the future, and over the next few years, we will show Europe that Lithuania can lead the way in the development of 5G communication technology," says D. Karpovičius.
In previous years, Klaipėda FEZ won other significant, major fDi Intelligence free zone awards, including in the Quick Launch (2017) and Sustainability (2020) categories.
At the beginning of October, the Klaipėda FEZ was also awarded another significant accolade - the main titles in the Investment Monitor's Economic Zone Sustainable Recovery Strategies Awards in the categories of digitalisation and reduction of red tape, as well as additional awards in the areas of Industry 4.0 and positive impact on the city.
