Minister Väyrynen to meet Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong Rita Lau

Press release 177/2009
30 June, 2009

Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen will meet Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Rita Lau on Thursday, 2 July. The Minister and Secretary will discuss the bilateral commerce and trade relations between Finland and Hong Kong and the measures for coping with the international financial and economic crisis.

In addition to having bilateral talks, the Ministers will sign an investment protection agreement between Finland and Hong Kong for the promotion and protection of investments. The purpose of the agreement is to promote the business opportunities of Finnish business life in the markets of Hong Kong and to secure the operating conditions for investments. The agreement guarantees that Finnish investments are not discriminated against in Hong Kong in relation to other investments, and enhances the stability and predictability of the investment environment.

During her two-day visit to Finland, Secretary Lau will also meet representatives of Finpro and Finnish companies. Furthermore, the Secretary will visit Arabianranta, where she will get acquainted with the interaction between companies representing creative industries and a diverse living environment.

Additional information: Advisor to the Minister Päivi Nevala, tel. +358 9 1605 6171, and Inspector Eevamaria Mielonen, tel. +358 9 1605 6321, and as concerns the investment protection agreement, Commercial Counsellor Kimmo Sinivuori, tel. +358 9 1605 6167