Many thanks to everybody, especially to the musicians. The march of the Pori Regiment sounds too seldom in Estonia, especially as the Pori Regiment was formed in Tallinn.

The way to Rapla is not too long. Once I was asked whether I knew Estonia as well as Siberia, and I promised to take Rapla for dessert when I have travelled though all Estonia, and even come here on foot if necessary. In the meantime, by the way, I took a wife from Rapla.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am glad when investments come to Tallinn. And twice as glad when investments go outside Tallinn. Because, you see, in Tallinn we have everything but cows. I mean milking cows, not holy cows. It is no good to milk holy cows.

Therefore, the milk's way to Tallinn is long and expensive. Manufacturing in the immediate vicinity of the suppliers has its advantages. But you must know this better than I do.

Evidently, the Estonian dairy industry is coming out of depression. The purchasing prices are going up slow but steady. Hopefully, the raise will not be reflected in the retail prices, but will be absorbed by the manufacturers by the usage of modern work methods and machinery. I know that here "Lacto" can set an example.

Coming back to the situation in the Estonian dairy industry - the suppliers and manufacturers obviously still remember the recent troubles. I think that here too "Lacto" has performed above average. I have been told of the friendly co-operation between "Lacto" and the small suppliers on the elimination of debts. This is the way to develop Estonian agriculture - with friendly co-operation and mutual support at hard times, lending a hand if need be.

There should still be ample space for development. Estonia is not yet producing all the necessary foodstuffs. In our village inns, for instance, coffee is served with cream from Austria in small plastic packages. Here I see a profitable market niche, why not for "Lacto". There is still room on foreign markets. For a country of Estonia's size, there will always be room on foreign markets. I am pleased with "Lacto's" export success in Azerbaijan and Turkey, countries that in many manufacturers' opinion could not be part of our markets. Export to France - a country with potent agriculture - is indeed a considerable accomplishment.

Finally, I would like to wish "Lacto" strength and express my hope that the efforts of the Estonian politicians to create a stable environment for agricultural production will start to bear more bounteous fruit.

Last week, I said that our country is still in the era of hunting and gathering, where people collect what they can get and sell it on. Every state must also produce, and let "Lacto" set an example to others here in Estonia.

Thank you.

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