2008 was very special year - all over the world, business faced hard challenges that also accompany this year. Activity of the concern companies was aggravated by slowing growth in European countries and stress in financial markets. Despite unstable markets, total income of the concern companies increased by 35 per cent last year and amounted to LTL 5 billion. Mostly, the growth was determined by favourable tendencies of the beginning of the last year. We will have to operate under extreme conditions - according to the United Nations, growth of the world economy will slow down to 1 per cent this year, and this assessment is rather moderate. Some investments plans had to be revised, however, the difficulties experienced will not disturb the main development directions. After all, one of the reasons of concern success is its consistent striving for goals. We have not refused long-term development plans - this year, further management consolidation and investments will take place. We share ambitious goals in the field of logistics - an intermodular terminal in Mockava that will connect a broad gauge line of Russian standard and a narrow gauge line of European standard is under design. Design works of Klaipėda Passenger and Ro-Ro Terminal that will stimulate tourism and visits by cruise ships at the port have been started. In 2009, there are plans to complete the SPA and hotel complex in Druskininkai. Development of energy from renewable sources and reduction of production emissions remain strategic goals. Resistance to difficulties is the feature we have acquired through development of sophisticated business projects, therefore we hope to make right decisions and not to lose the rhythm during this complicated period. |
