Vietnam has an abundant workforce, an 80 million strong market and political stability, therefore, Finnish businesses will face no obstacles when investing in Vietnam, said State President Nguyen Minh Triet at the Vietnam-Finland business forum in Helsinki on May 21.

Addressing the forum, Mr Triet said his Finland visit aims to promote economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

At the talks with Finnish President Tarja Halonen, both sides said that bilateral economic and trade cooperation has seen positive developments but has yet to match with their potential and wishes.

Last year’s two-way trade value between Vietnam and Finland reached only US$230 million. Top leaders from both countries have agreed to raise two-way trade and Finnish investment in Vietnam to US$1 billion, each within the next few years.

To reach that goal, the two governments will create the best possible conditions for entrepreneurs to share experiences and do business in each other’s markets in the spirit of mutual benefit.

“Finland wants to encourage its businesses to invest in Vietnam and Vietnam wants to do the same. I hope that Finnish investors will come to Vietnam soon. Vietnam will provide favourable conditions for Finnish companies to make long-term investments in the country, especially in fields where they boast strengths such as information technology, ship building, the wood and paper industries, and environmentally friendly technology. Finland has a strong economy with large capital sources and management experiences so they will have advantages when investing in Vietnam. Both countries have maintained their fine friendly relations for years, therefore, Finnish businesses will always be welcome in Vietnam,” said Mr Triet.

On the occasion, President Triet witnessed the signing of cooperation documents on fine arts and handicraft production between Vietnamese and Finnish businesses.

The same day, Mr Triet visited Nokia group which is strong in information and technology and has secured its foothold in the Vietnamese market.

Source: VOV