(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The UAE is interested in harnessing the Finnish cutting edge expertise in advanced technology, education as well as research and development, Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade, said on Wednesday.
"We are keen to identify available opportunities for cooperation with Finland, particularly in sectors like architecture designing, business services, construction, infrastructure, defence, education and training, renewable energy, healthcare, ICT, heavy industries," Shaikha Lubna told the Abu Dhabi-Finland business forum in attendance of the visiting Finnish Prime Minister, Jyrki Katainen. The event was organised by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development in association with the Finnish Embassy in the UAE and Finpro-Finnish Trade Promotion Agency.
In her opening address, Shaikha Lubna noted that Finland had made, since the World War II, diligent efforts to quickly become an industrialised nation driven by a strong will to develop its education and R&D sectors. "Today, Finland boasts of being among the world's most vibrant and competitive economies. It has built a good reputation as a knowledge-based economy and has carved its own economic equation as an exporter to world markets."
"Like Finland, we in the UAE are determined to reach the top echelon of competitiveness, innovation and exposure to world markets and forge ahead with technology-led development path," she added. Shaikha Lubna told the business gathering that globalisation and foreign trade constitute important factors for the business sector.
"We are happy to share with you a common vision that will pave the way for prosperity to our countries," she added.
The UAE, she stressed, would provide the Finnish companies with the opportunity to penetrate to important Arab and Asian markets given its position as the second largest economy in the Gulf region and the region's largest importer of Finnish goods.
"The UAE will offer the Finnish companies a true opportunity to expand their operations in the region, she said, adding that direct and regular discussions would help the two countries to identify challenges facing progress of investment and economic relations.
For his part, Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen said in his address to the forum that his country was looking forward for greater cooperation with the UAE in all fields and at all levels, as one of its key trade partners in the Middle East and Gulf region.
He reviewed steps taken by his country to achieve sustainable development.
Meanwhile, UAE Minister of Energy Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hamili affirmed on Wednesday that the UAE is in favour of any cooperative effort aimed at maintaining stability in the world oil market. He said during talks with Katainen that the UAE was also seeking to bolster cooperation between oil producers and consumers to stimulate global economic growth.
Katainen has stressed the importance of strong relations with the UAE, expressing his country's keenness to boost these ties at all level in various fields.
"UAE is one of the most important trade partners of Finland in the Middle East and the Gulf region," he added.
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