Finland envoy stresses need for forging business links

Suggests small amount of crude in Faisalabad can be converted into energy

FAISALABAD: Finland is providing technology and consultation services to the entire world including Pakistan in various fields such as biotechnology, mobile phones and recycling, said Ambassador of Finland to Pakistan Harri Kamarainen.

Speaking to business community at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), the envoy said Finland was investing massively to facilitate foreign residents to strengthen the economy so employment and health facilities could be provided to all residents.

He added that Finland General Hospital was establishing a health facility where the country would provide facilities to Finnish and foreign residents.

“There is a small amount of crude in Faisalabad which can be converted into energy by recycling,” he suggested.

The envoy pointed out that Finland peptic was a revolutionary new material made from wood fibres, enabling sustainable companies to shift from plastic to renewable, recyclable and re-usable resources. Kamarainen pointed out that Pakistan was rich in natural resources and advised businessmen to use them for businesses development.

Food deliveries to be made via drones in Finland

He pointed out that at present three Finland Consulates were working in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore and termed it a good sign for bilateral trade.

He stressed that Finland had developed immensely due to technology. “Nokia is on top in mobile phone technology,” he highlighted. “Mobile technology is common in Finland and 90% of the population uses internet.”

Regarding business matters, he said Finland received various facilities through e-commerce. Finland also produced good quality elevators, he said.

Finland has increased its exports in the past few years. It is also keen to establish links with different countries.

The envoy invited Faisalabad traders to forward their business profiles so that business links could be established.

Speaking on the occasion, FCCI Senior Vice President Mian Tanveer Ahmed reiterated that Faisalabad was the third largest city of Pakistan having population of 8.5 million people. It also ranked second in revenue generation.

About trade with Finland, Ahmad said Pakistan’s exports amounted to $27.66 million while imports from Finland were worth $141.21 million. The balance of trade was in favour of Finland.

He noted that the growth in Pakistan’s exports to Finland between 2014 and 2018 was 14%. He emphasised that facilities should be provided to Pakistani textile exporters in Finland by setting up warehouses and exporting goods to other European countries from Finland.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2019.

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