The Finnish ambassador entrusting India and the EU will finalize the trade agreement by the end of the year. The historic visit to the EU has created a momentum for negotiations, focusing on significant prices for industrial goods and beneficial solutions for both parties.
The ambassador inaugurated the Honorary Consulate of Finland in Ahmedabad.
Kulin Lalbhai, an eminent businessman from Gujarat and Vice-President of Arvind Ltd, was appointed Honorary Consul of Finland.
The Finnish ambassador called “historic” the visit to the college of European Union commissioners in India in February, highlighting a pleasant solution to both parties.
“It was a really historic visit, and I think it also created a very good momentum for the negotiations to be.
Admitting that a lot of work must be done, Lähdevirta stressed that there is a good chance of achieving this goal.
“For the moment, I would say that the momentum and the prospects are very good,” he added.
Lähdevolta said the overall annual trade between India and Finland is almost 3 billion euros.
Asked about Finland’s opinions on the outcome of the trade agreement, he underlined the “significant” prices on industrial goods.
“Well, on our side, of course, a significant price level for industrial goods is very important. But it is of course important to reach a solution which, according to the two parties, is just and beneficial. So finding the balance is the key. But I do not want to go into more details here. It is for the European Commission (to decide)”, he said.
He said that a Finnish commercial delegation led by him would meet the representatives of the Government of Gujarat on Tuesday and added that several Finnish companies are interested in investing.
He said the honorary consulate reflects the deepening partnership between India and Finland and the growing interest in business.
“Nearly 10 Finnish companies are already present in Gujarat. Our cooperation has focused on energy, but today, Finnish companies are engaged in several sectors: clean energy, circular economy, skills, intelligent infrastructure and sustainable design. Gujarat offers an ideal environment for these collaborations to flourish,” said the ambassador.
He said Finnish companies contributed to Gujarat growth and development objectives through world -class technologies, sustainable solutions and investments.
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