The post-Soviet period was difficult for the Baltic states. Large sections of the country’s labour force and many young people emigrated. Those who spoke foreign languages and had made contacts in advance went to Europe. Others chose Russia. Nowadays, it is quite common to find people from the Baltic States working in large Russian IT companies. However, there are fewer and fewer Russians in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Frankly speaking, when I was invited to visit Lithuania in order to estimate its potential as a place to set up Russian businesses in Europe, I was surprised.  I could not imagine that a country that had closed almost all its plants and factories, and had become one of NATO’s outposts in the East, could attract foreign investment. I accepted the invitation and spent two days in the country. I managed to communicate with scores of start-ups and companies, giving me a chance to observe the pros and cons of moving a business to Lithuania. I will do my best to be objective, but at risk of jumping ahead I would like to mention the words of an unknown Internet warrior from a neighbouring country, which are that ‘everything is not so clear.’

More: http://www.investlithuania.com/news/lithuania-and-its-ambitions-to-become-the-silicon-valley-of-europe/