‘Businessmen interaction to improve Pakistan-Finland trade’

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Finland to Pakistan Rauli Suikkanen on Wednesday emphasised the significance of interaction between businessmen of both the countries to improve bilateral trade.
“Pakistan is a vibrant country having an immense trade potential and natural resources. Interaction between the private sector representatives of both countries is essential if we are to enhance the trade and business activities between Finland and Pakistan,” Suikkanen said, addressing the second Finland-Pakistan Business Summit.
“While a number of Finnish companies have recognised the significance of the Pakistani market, this is clearly only the beginning as the volume of trade can increase exponentially,” he added. “Finnish expertise in energy efficiency and alternative energy would also be useful for Pakistan at this stage.”
Around 200 participants from Finland, including 23 companies that generate 23 billion Euros in revneue, and local businessmen gathered to discuss investment and business opportunities in both the countries and increase their networking.
The summit provided a platform where business representatives, business owners, entrepreneurs and corporate executives can personally meet and discuss new opportunities.
Chairman Board of Investment Dr Miftah Ismail expressed his delight over the interest Finnish companies are showing in Pakistan.
“Pakistan is blessed with an extensive natural resources and a young population, which can meet the human capital needs of complex industries,” he said.
“Pakistan has the capacity and needs to absorb trade, technology and technical expertise from all regions and we are particularly keen to encourage clean, environment-friendly processes and energy efficient systems that Finland, and all of Europe, is renowned for.”
Finland is a small country with 5.5 million population and one of the leading countries in the Euro Zone and one of Pakistan’s biggest trading partners.
Through Finland, Pakistani businesses will have direct access to the entire Nordic region, and benefits from its high consumer and corporate purchasing power.
Chairman of the Finland-Pakistan Business Council (FPBC) Wille Eerola, said, “Pakistani and Finnish companies could work in various areas and bring solutions to Pakistan, supporting the development of the whole country, especially in the energy and clean tech areas.” He added, “But Pakistani companies should also start to browse and research the Finnish and whole Nordic market for their products”.
Co-Chairman FPBC Hassan Raza, said, “Real actions will create results and that’s why we are offering this platform for business people from (the) both countries, highlighting the tremendous opportunities that exist for bilateral trade and investment.”
Vice President and Head of Middle East and Africa, Nokia Networks Bernard Najm said: “As a major Finnish telecom technology giant with a global footprint that includes in Pakistan, Nokia has a strong passion for innovation that expands the human possibilities of technologies in a connected world.”
He added: “Pakistan is a significant market for us, and we are committed to continue supporting the country with our innovation in telecommunication technologies to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the people.”