The Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce in the Republic Finland (ICC Finland) Paivi Pohjanheimo confirmed that the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Republic of Finland marks the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of business, trade, and investment, in addition to its significance for exploring available opportunities and enhancing the existing economic relations between the two nations.
In an interview with the Qatar News Agency , she said that the visit of HH the Amir helps create important platforms for companies from both sides, by establishing connections and networks that will enhance the investment of numerous joint economic opportunities.
She noted that Finland has a clear understanding of Qatar National Vision 2030 and expressed her country’s readiness to share its expertise in this context and contribute to working towards a carbon-neutral economy in line with this vision.
The Secretary Gen
eral of the International Chamber of Commerce in Finland highlighted the many opportunities for investment between the two countries across various sectors, including technology and innovation, renewable energy and sustainability, education and scientific research, health technology and care, life sciences, infrastructure, tourism, and more. She emphasized the importance of the visit in enhancing mutual understanding of business opportunities between the two countries.
Regarding the competitive advantages of the Finnish economy, she said that Finland has recently been ranked among the best investment environments in the world in international comparisons, due to its open business and governmental practices, the competitive advantage of its workforce, and the country’s leading position in digital talents in Europe, particularly in key information technology services, engineering, health technology, and other fields. Additionally, Finland is renowned internationally for its innovative culture.
She added that
Finland is a leader in innovation, which is particularly interesting for Qatari investors. Additionally, Finland offers reliable infrastructure and carbon-free energy, with around 90% of the available electricity being carbon-free.
Regarding attractive economic opportunities for Qatari private investment in the Finnish market in the future, Paivi Pohjanheimo said that there are extensive opportunities for future investments, especially in sectors such as information and communications technology, energy, health technology, real estate, and tourism. She noted the potential for investment in Finlands innovation and emerging technology platforms, which are not only undergoing a green transition but also experiencing a comprehensive digital transformation.
She explained that there are many attractive advantages for Qatari partners to collaborate on implementing Qatar National Vision 2030 and other diverse projects and plans. She emphasized the importance of establishing a collaborative network at the levels of
business, education, academic research, development, and innovation between the two countries.
The Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce in Finland pointed out that there are six Finnish companies that have invested in Qatar in recent years, with Finnish companies’ sales in Qatar reaching approximately $400 million, most of which is in commercial services.
She noted that Finnish expertise in clean energy aligns with Qatars goals and vision for diversifying its energy economy, providing an opportunity for Finnish companies specializing in this field to operate in Qatar in the future. She commended the State of Qatars efforts to reduce carbon emissions in this regard.
She also pointed out the potential to enhance joint cooperation in education, noting that increased collaboration with Qatari universities and research centers could improve educational outcomes in both Qatar and Finland. She highlighted the possibility of adapting the Finnish vocational education model to meet Qatari requi
rements in this context.
Paivi Pohjanheimo concluded her statements to QNA by saying that they are in the process of preparing a letter of intent between the chambers of commerce in Qatar and Finland, which will be ready and prepared for signing during HH the Amir’s visit, noting that this will help create a suitable platform that could contribute to strengthening the existing economic cooperation between the two countries.
Source: Qatar News Agency