Finland is exploring new education partnerships with universities in Mindanao, Finnish Ambassador Saija Nurminen said during a forum in Davao City. Finland is also considering expanding labor recruitment beyond Metro Manila.
Speaking at the “Breaking Barriers: Diplomatic and Dabawenya Leaders Shaping the Future” forum on June 24, Nurminen said Finland has begun discussions with universities in Davao, Cebu and Manila to establish academic cooperation.
“Education is something that Finland has a lot of expertise in, and something that the Philippines are very interested in,” she said.
The talks are still in their early stages but could eventually include visiting professors, student exchanges and other collaborations between Finnish and Philippine institutions.
Finland is also seeking to strengthen labor mobility with the Philippines. After holding a recruitment fair in Manila last November, Nurminen said similar events could be organized elsewhere in the country.
“I wouldn’t see it as totally impossible that there would one day also be a job fair in Davao,” she said.
She also pointed to the ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement between the European Union and the Philippines, saying it could create new export opportunities for Philippine agricultural products, including fruits from Mindanao.
Nurminen added that the European Union continues to support peacebuilding efforts in the Bangsamoro region, while Finnish companies specializing in environmental technology and disaster risk management are exploring opportunities in the Philippine market.
The forum, organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, brought together diplomats, business leaders and community representatives to discuss international cooperation and women’s leadership.
