At a reception for Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Lenita Toivakka, and Finnish businesses in Ho Chi Minh City on March 9, Khoa highlighted developments in relations between Vietnam and Finland in recent years.

Finland has invested in six projects valued at US$1.8 million in the southern metropolis, mostly in the processing industry, information-communications, and science and technology, he said.

However, the figure remains moderate compared with more than US$40 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) poured into the city, he said, expressing his hope that after the visit, the delegation will help encourage Finnish businesses to increase their investments in the locality.

Lenita Toivakka suggested the two countries work with each other to seek new forms of cooperation as there is substantial potential for trade and investment.

Many investment priorities for Ho Chi Minh City like IT, energy and clean technology are also some of Finland’s strengths, the minister said, adding that her country has about 3,000 enterprises operating in clean technology and waste-water treatment.

She pledged to introduce cooperative potential between Finland and Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam at large with Finnish businesses following her visit to the Southeast Asian nation.