Thursday, Apr 14, 2016
Abu Dhabi: Finland is trying to forge new relationship with the UAE and increase its cooperation in various fields to boost trade and economic relationship, Finland’s ambassador to the UAE told Gulf News in an interview.
“We are looking at increasing cooperation in various sectors including health care, education, tourism and food sectors. Opening of a UAE Embassy in Helsinki and a direct flight connection with a UAE carrier will be good news for our bilateral relations,” said ambassador Riitta Swan.
The bilateral trade between the two countries stand at slightly less than 300 million euros (Dh1.24 billion) at the moment with Finnish exports to the UAE totalled at 260 million euros and the imports at 20 million euros.
“The figure is only half of the truth as there is much trade, which does not travel through the Finnish customs but comes from elsewhere,” she added.
She said there have been number of high profile visits in the last one year with Finland president Sauli Niinisto visiting the UAE year as part of the efforts of the country to have strong bilateral ties.
From the UAE side, Minister of Economy Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri visited Finland. “The bilateral trade is growing between the two countries and we would see more activity in the coming months.”
Meanwhile, a top official from Finland Chamber of Commerce who was in the UAE this week urged Emirati women to take up big jobs and start their own business.
“Ten years ago there were not many women at top positions in Finland but the situation has changed now with many women on directorial jobs and other top positions. This is something which could be done in the UAE too,” said Anne Horttanainen, Director, Finland Chamber of Commerce.
“The idea of my visit is to share our success stories with Emirati women here and encourage them. There are already powerful business ladies here. How we could have more of them? That is something which we are interested,” she added.
According to her, women’s share of directorships of Finnish listed companies is 24 per cent at present whereas the figure was only 7 per cent in 2003.
As part of her two-day visit to the UAE, Anne met Emirati businesswomen to understand the challenges they are facing and what can be done to help them so that they become successful.
The Finnish Embassy in Abu Dhabi said more than 1,000 Finland nationals live in the UAE.
By Fareed Rahman Senior Reporter
Gulf News 2016. All rights reserved.
