Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said Lithuania could be an important technology partner for India as he underlined the immense potential for growth in bilateral trade between the two countries. Addressing the Indian community at the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, Naidu also called upon the diaspora to serve as a bridge in strengthening economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

Noting that the bilateral trade between the two countries was below potential, he said Lithuania could be an important technology partner for India, especially in the of lasers, renewable energy, agro-food processing and life sciences.

Naidu, who arrived here on Saturday, is on a five-day three-nation tour to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, the first ever high-level visit from India to the three Baltic countries.

Observing that India has become one of the fastest growing large economies in the world, the vice president said the business sentiment following the numerous initiatives implemented by the government was positive and upbeat.

"The New India's mantra is 'Reform, Perform and Transform'," he said.

Naidu also stressed that India was one of the most open economies of the world and is placed now at the 77th rank among 190 countries in the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business' index.

The vice president said the 'Make in India' campaign was establishing India as the hub of manufacturing and investment.

Besides, 'Smart Cities', 'Digital India' and 'Skill India' initiatives are providing immense opportunities to collaborate and work together.