Việt Nam Seeks Strengthened Cooperation with Finland

Helsinki, November 29, 2024 – During an official visit to Finland on November 28, Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà engaged in discussions with Finnish leaders to enhance bilateral cooperation. His meetings included Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Deputy Prime Minister Rikka Purra, who commended Việt Nam's significant socio-economic achievements.

Key Highlights from the Discussions

In his discussions, President Stubb recognized Việt Nam as a vital partner for Finland in Southeast Asia and expressed a strong desire to broaden areas of cooperation. He emphasized Finland's expertise in fields such as energy, education, information technology, and environmental sustainability. Stubb also recalled a prior meeting with Việt Nam's Party General Secretary at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024, expressing his eagerness to visit Việt Nam in the near future.

Deputy Prime Minister Hà acknowledged Finland’s essential role in supporting Việt Nam's transition to a green economy and sustainable development. He highlighted the mutual importance of international collaboration to tackle both traditional and emerging security issues. Furthermore, Hà reaffirmed Việt Nam's support for Finland’s ambitions in strengthening relations with the ASEAN bloc.

Economic Cooperation Opportunities

In his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Rikka Purra, Hà described numerous areas with potential for economic collaboration. These included renewable energy, forestry, digital transformation, and information technology. Purra assured ongoing Finnish support as Việt Nam strives to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050. He also encouraged both nations’ businesses to explore opportunities for partnership.

Hà proposed that Finland facilitate market access for Vietnamese enterprises such as FPT and VinFast and urged the expedited ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by the European Union, which could significantly enhance trade and investment between the two countries.

Progress in Financial Cooperation

Significant strides in financial cooperation were noted, including agreements on Double Taxation Avoidance and a Framework Agreement for public investment projects. Hà suggested that there's potential for complementarity in these areas, which could contribute to sustainable development.

Both Finland and Việt Nam have collaborated effectively in multilateral forums like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), underscoring their commitment to mutual goals.

Focus on Education and Labour Cooperation

Emphasizing Finland's renowned education system, which has drawn more than 2,500 Vietnamese students, Hà encouraged an increase in scholarships and support for Vietnamese nationals pursuing education in Finland.

Earlier in the trip, Hà had conversations with Finnish Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Kai Mykkänen, and Minister of Economic Affairs and Employment Wille Rydman. These discussions aimed at further fortifying bilateral ties in strategic areas such as environmental sustainability, circular economy, and workforce development.

Mykkänen shared insights on Finland's experience in environmental policy, stressing the importance of initiatives like waste recycling, reducing fossil fuels, and transitioning to sustainable energy. Rydman highlighted Finland's role as a pioneer in implementing a circular economy strategy by 2025 and reaffirmed the nation's readiness to aid Việt Nam in its energy transition efforts.

Community Engagement

On the evening of November 28, Deputy Prime Minister Hà visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Finland, where he interacted with the local Vietnamese community. Ambassador Phạm Thị Thanh Bình informed Hà that approximately 16,000 Vietnamese individuals reside, work, or study in Finland, showcasing a vibrant diaspora.

The visit underscores Việt Nam's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Finland through collaboration in education, sustainable development, and economic partnerships, reflecting a growing partnership that looks toward a prosperous future.