Two-way trade value between Vietnam and Finland totalled US$304 million in 2012 and both countries aim to raise the amount to US$1 billion in the coming years.
The figures were revealed at a joint investment seminar in HCM City on November 29, drawing the participation of representatives of more than 100 Finnish and Vietnamese businesses.
Finnish businesses outlined their hopes for long-term relationships with Vietnamese partners. Vietnamese enterprises said success in Finland could springboard export expansion into other European markets.
HCM City urged Finnish businesses to invest in safety technology, its advanced technology industry, and tourism
Finland and Vietnam established diplomatic ties on November 25, 1973. The bilateral relationship has grown significantly over the past 40 years, particularly in economics.
To meet the US$1 billion target, both sides will strive to effectively implement the Vietnam-Finland investment promotion and encouragement and the Finnish Foreign Ministry’s business partnership programme.
They are also working to balance trade, narrowing the former’s import surplus that has existed since 2011.
Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam Kimmo Lahdevirta said the seminar offered advice on the best way for Vietnamese businesses to penetrate the Finnish market.
Source: Voice of Vietnam
