The country’s economy grows beyond the capital: Klaipėda region records the fastest employment growth

The Klaipėda region, which generates the third-largest share of Lithuania’s GDP (10.4%), has recently stood out as the region with the fastest-growing employment rate in the country. The labor force participation rate here has reached 78.7%, surpassing the national average, despite the long-standing trend of associating high-tech investments with Vilnius or Kaunas. At the same time, the region continues to see a rise in innovative companies that are creating new opportunities in the labor market.

An economic engine of national importance
Klaipėda County’s economy is distinctly export-oriented. According to the Innovation Agency’s 2024 data, Klaipėda County accounted for as much as 16.2% of all exports of Lithuanian-origin products.

In terms of foreign direct investment (FDI), Klaipėda County ranks second only to the capital region. In 2023, it attracted €2.2 billion in FDI, making up 6.3% of the total national investment. On a per capita basis, this amounted to €6,583, compared to €4,397 in the Central and Western Lithuania region.

According to the Innovation Agency, the region relies heavily on manufacturing, which alone attracted nearly €600 million in investment in 2022, the majority of which was directed to the city of Klaipėda. FDI in the region continues to grow by around 10% annually, and Klaipėda is justifiably recognized as one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

This economic momentum is also reflected in labor market dynamics: over the course of 2024, more than 9,000 new jobs were created in Klaipėda County. According to the Employment Service, in June 2025 the county recorded the lowest unemployment rate in Lithuania – 7.4%, which is 1 percentage point below the national average.

These growth trends are further supported by the region’s long-term development direction – the “Klaipėda 2030” strategy aims to attract an additional €1.5 billion in investment, create 25,000 new jobs, and double export volumes.

Creating not only nnnovation, but also new jobs
In Klaipėda’s economic structure, high value-added companies are playing an increasingly significant role. These businesses create specialized jobs and contribute to local employment and skills development.

One such company is VMG Technics, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The company currently employs around 400 people, primarily specialists in technical fields: mechanical, automation, and electrical engineers; programmers; production planners; project managers; as well as logistics and administrative staff. Over the past few years, the company has created 152 new jobs, including 63 high-skilled positions.

Company CEO Mantas Leknius notes that the region’s favorable business environment creates strong conditions not only for company growth, but also for job creation and increased employment among residents.

“With the improving economic climate and rapid development of high technologies, the region is seeing more opportunities for businesses and residents alike. Collaboration allows us to observe positive changes – from increased production volumes to the improvement of specialists’ qualifications and talent development. These processes are important for both the region’s economy and the expansion of the labor market,” says M. Leknius.

As the number of employees and wages increase, so do labor-related contributions paid by the company. In 2024, VMG Technics paid the state over €1.3 million in social insurance contributions and about €1.2 million in personal income tax. In 2023, these figures were approximately €800,000 respectively.

In addition, the company collaborates with universities and vocational schools, offering students and pupils the opportunity to gain practical experience in engineering fields.