Official inauguration in Astana a media event
Followed by extensive media coverage, the newest Finnish Embassy was officially inaugurated in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on 3 March. In all, 30 Kazahk journalists and several TV cameras crammed into the compact lobby. Good opportunities for development of economic relations, in particular, are seen in both countries.
“Establishment of an embassy opens a new chapter in relations between our two countries,” Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen stressed during the official inauguration of the newest Embassy of Finland in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on 3 March.
Political, economic and cultural relations can be raised to a new level. Economic relations, in particular, offer much potential.
Led by Väyrynen, a delegation of more than 50 business representative and civil servants is surveying cooperation possibilities on 3–5 March. In addition to meetings of ministers, links are strengthened, for instance, through two business forums organised by Finpron in Astana, the capital, and Almaty, the centre of business life.
Finland in the spotlight
The Embassy started its activities already in October, Ambassador Mikko Kinnunen said. Benefitting from the first ministerial visit, the official launch of the Embassy received the maximum amount of publicity. The higher profile intensifies the foreign mission’s influence.
A good deal of attention has been focused on Finland since President Nursultan Nazarbayev recently stated that Finland was a role model for Kazahkstan in many fields. This statement was made during a televised Government session in late January. Since then, the Ambassador has been sought after for interviews.
“Media interest in the official launching of the Embassy exceeded all expectations, too,” Kinnunen said.
A task force charged with drawing from the experiences of Finland has been appointed within the President’s administration. Several delegations on study trips are expected in the coming months. Kazakhstan is especially interested in systems for innovation and education and in expertise of clean technology.
“We are prepared to seek opportunities for cooperation and to share our experiences,” Minister Väyrynen stressed during his speech at the inauguration dinner.
Networking is important
“The aim of businesses is to deepen trade relations,” said Ms Päivi Leiwo-Svensk, Chair of the Board of Oilon International Oy. She chaired the business delegation, which had more than 40 members.
Through this visit, companies are seeking, for instance, new export opportunities and new retail dealers, and are also exploring import possibilities. Leiwo-Svensk also emphasised the opportunity this visit offered to network with decision-makers at the highest possible level.
“This is very important in countries like Kazakhstan.”
After Russia, and on a par with Ukraine, Kazakhstan is Finland’s next most important trade partner in the CIS area. It is the wealthiest and most stable country in Central Asia. The GDP doubled in the 2000s. Growth slowed down in 2008–2009 but the country has ambitious objectives for diversifying its economy, which is based on energy reserves.
Both Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen and Minister of Industry and Trade Aset Issekeshev of Kazahkstan, who also took part in the inauguration, stressed the importance of commercial cooperation and business networking.