Addressing the “Trade Support” forum on March 17 in Hanoi, which drew the participation of 150 businesses of the two countries, Ambassador Pekka Hyvonen said his country’s support for Vietnam is part of the commitment to the global trade support Finland has made as a member of the European Union (EU).

The Finnish government will provide practical assistance for Vietnam such as promoting trade, creating favourable conditions for the country to access several European markets, increasing sustainable forestry development and building information and initiative systems in Vietnam, the ambassador said.

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)’s vice president Hoang Van Dung spoke highly of Finland’s move to include Vietnam in its long-term partner lists for bilateral development cooperation. He said he hopes Finland will continue its support for Vietnam in its relations with the EU, especially in the negotiations on the recognization of the market economy in the Southeast Asian country.

According to the VCCI, the growth rate of trade between the two countries has reached 20 percent in recent years. In 2009, two-way trade turnover stood at nearly US$230 million, with Vietnam enjoying a trade surplus.

In term of investment, Finland ranks 51^st out of 89 countries and territories investing in Vietnam with five projects worth a total of US$33.4 million.