OREANDA-NEWS. October 03, 2008. Prime Minister Andrus Ansip met with the representatives of the Foreign Investors Council to discuss the options for expanding the business environment, reported the Official website www.valitsus.ee.

Together, it was found that the most significant challenges are the introduction of more flexibility to the labour market, development of the skills of workers and the increasing of productivity.

“The increasing of the flexibility of the labour market is a crucial issue for Estonia today; more investment in in-service training is definitely needed,” said Prime Minister Andrus Ansip when meeting with the representatives of foreign investors.

Foreign investors offered their knowledge for the development of the business environment during more difficult periods, and opportunities for introducing the favourable economic climate of Estonia. Both the Prime Minister and foreign investors were of the opinion that in the changed economic situation, it is very important to increase the productivity of workers. Higher productivity ensures competitiveness on export markets as well. Foreign investors supported the wish of the head of government to continue with low taxes and a simple and transparent tax system.

The meetings between the Prime Minister and the representatives of foreign investors, in relation to the challenges faced by the Estonian economy, will continue on a regular basis in the future. At future meetings, problematic topics will be focused on more specifically and potential solutions sought jointly.

Investments by the members of the Foreign Investors Council make up about 80 per cent of the investments made into Estonia.