Foreign Trade Minister Jari Vilén: Johannesburg confirmed world trade as part of sustainable development
Foreign Trade Minister Jari Vilén, attending the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development, is satisfied that the formulations of the summit’s plan of action that deal with world trade are positive and balanced. These affirm the goals agreed at the development round of the World Trade Organisation, held in Doha last year.
“The Johannesburg Summit is a clear indication that the vast majority of the world’s governments recognise that an open trade system based on common ground rules is one of the key requirements of sustainable development,” said Vilén.
The Doha, Monterrey and Johannesburg conferences have underlined that sustainable development is only possible with commonly agreed targets for development, environmental and trade policy. Development requires the broad based co-operation of governments, business and non-governmental organisations. This is fully recognised in Finland, and is reflected in the division of labour among the different parties making up the Finnish delegation to Johannesburg
Finnish businesses have been prominent at the Johannesburg Summit. The recognition achieved by Kesko and UPM-Kymmene from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Chamber of Commerce re-affirm Finland’s image as a model country for sustainable development. “My view that Finnish firms have much to offer for sustainable development has been re-confirmed by the discussions I’ve had here. The excellent environmental reputation attached to Finnish businesses is also an increasingly important competitive edge in the international market,” said Vilén.
Mr Vilén plans to survey the interest of Finnish businesses to expand their areas of activity in South Africa and other African countries. He says that if there is the desire among Finnish firms to find out about the opportunities Africa offers is would be prepared to arrange am an export promotions visit to Africa in the winter.
On Tuesday the Minister familiarised himself with the operations of Finnish companies in South Africa with visits to the Huhtamäki, Sandvik Tamrok and Metso Minerals production facilities and meetings with representatives of several other firms.
Mr Vilén held talks in Johannesburg on development and trade issues with ministers from Uganda, Zambia, Mozambique and Ethiopia. The bilateral meetings focussed on improving trade requirements and on the importance of increasing foreign investments for the economies of developing countries.
For further information contact: special advisor Ukko Metsola, mobile phone: 040 751 5173