Textile and apparel (sewing operations) sector in Lithuania is the strongest and most specialized among all the new members of EU. This sector has contributed to the total country’s GDP with 13.8 % in 2004. It has become the primary work place provider for the citizens in single towns and districts.

The recent local consumer trend has become finished textile products, where sales have increased by 7.5 % (2004). The natural resources of wool and linen have contributed to the extensive expertise and use of these materials, yet a bigger part of raw materials are imported from abroad (70 %). 

Wood processing, furniture and paper in Lithuania is represented by several thousand companies of different size that produce sawn wood, wood-based panels, paper, paperboard, furniture, joinery articles and log houses.

The main and fastest growing branch in wood processing has become furniture production. Here, Lithuanian producers contribute to the customised as well as mass production projects initiated by foreign investors such as IKEA. The main export markets for furniture are Norway, USA, Canada and Germany followed by Denmark, UK and France.

Electronics, metal processing and automotive industry in Lithuania consists of manufacturers  that are able to successfully sell their products in Western markets and meet the requirements of foreign customers by providing products which combine both satisfactory quality levels and low prices.

Products typically include intermediate products, semi finished commodities, complex construction parts and other similar goods used for the final products in furniture, electronics, machinery, and equipment mainly targeting the Western European and US markets.

The general strengths of this industry lay within supportive national innovation policy, highly educated labour and strong engineering skills.

Biotechnology sector acquires thirty years of experience in research and development. However, just a few biotechnological companies evolved from the former scientific institutes in Lithuania. The country is often singled out among Central and East European countries as a clear leader in the field of biotechnology.

With the priorities of further study of enzyme modification and the research and development of recombinant biomedical proteins, the industry is offering opportunities on the grounds of further investments in laboratory tools and equipment, active participation in international projects and programs as well as perfecting its professional excellence through education provided locally as well as abroad.