FINLAND’S MINISTER FOR FOREIGN TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT STRENGTHENS BILATERAL TIES ON AN EXPORT PROMOTION VISIT TO VIETNAM

Ho Chi Minh City, 21 October 2024 – Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Mr. Ville Tavio, is leading a high-level delegation on an official visit to Vietnam from 21 to 23 October 2024. The visit underscores Finland’s expertise in key sectors contributing to Vietnam’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The visit focuses on Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam's economic hub. On 21 October, Mr. Tavio will participate in Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE), a prominent biennial event that focuses on clean transition and sustainable economic models. Minister Tavio will deliver the opening speech at the event. GEFE offers an excellent opportunity to present Finland's know-how and what it has to offer in several key sectors of the economy, such as sustainable construction and manufacturing, renewable energy, the circular economy and digitalisation. On the sideline of the event, Minister met with Vice President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas and the Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.

In addition to Finland's country pavilion at GEFE, representatives from Finnish organizations and the business community will share their insights during conference sessions and at the Nordic Day event, held in collaboration with the exhibition.

"Finland and Vietnam's excellent and long-term relationship provides a strong basis for deepening our countries' cooperation. Finnish companies have a lot to contribute to Vietnam's efforts to achieve sustainable economic development," said Minister Tavio.

Early on 21 October, Minister Ville Tavio and the delegation will have a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son. The discussions will focus on enhancing bilateral relations and fostering mutually beneficial trade and commerce ties. Finland is proud of the flourishing partnership with Vietnam, which has continued to strengthen over 51 years of diplomatic relations.

Later that day, Minister Tavio and his delegation will meet with Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Ms. Phan Thi Thang. The discussions will focus on enhancing collaboration and trade between Finland and Vietnam, Finland’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. This meeting will also provide a platform to explore Finland's development policy and Finnish technologies and expertise in sustainable development.

The delegation will hold discussions with Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Nguyen Van Dzung, as well as representatives of the business community. The Minister commends the city’s remarkable growth and reaffirms Finland’s commitment to supporting its development into a smart, sustainable regional hub.

"The remarkable growth of Ho Chi Minh City is impressive, and I commend its efforts in driving such rapid development," said Minister Tavio. "Finland is fully committed to supporting the city’s transformation into a smart, sustainable regional hub, while strengthening trade relations across the key sectors where Finland excels. Together, we can build enduring partnerships that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for the region."

Additionally, Minister Tavio and the business delegation will visit key sites including Saigon Port and Saigon Hi-Tech Park. The Minister will also attend a lunch at the Vietnam Finland International School, serving in his role as Finland’s School Meal Ambassador.

Following his visit to Vietnam, Minister Tavio will continue his tour with an official visit to the Philippines from 23 to 25 October 2024.