VOVNews: The Vietnamese embassy in Finland has been in operation for only one year. Could you brief us on activities of the overseas Vietnamese community over the past year?

Ambassador An: Over the past year, apart from external activities, top priority has been given to promoting the activity of the Vietnamese community which now numbers more than 4,000. The figure is remarkable compared to Finland’s population of 5.3 million. Most of Vietnamese nationals are living scattered throughout Finland. Since the embassy was established, we have focused on strengthening contact between overseas Vietnamese. Just one month after our office was opened in late 2005, we organised a get-together for overseas Vietnamese to celebrate the traditional Lunar New Year festival (Tet). Many overseas Vietnamese said this was the first time after nearly 20 years that they had a chance to enjoy Tet in a warm atmosphere.

The embassy has always tried to keep informed of new developments in the homeland, as well as new policies of the Party and the State, towards Vietnamese people living in foreign countries.

In September 2006, when the Vietnamese Prime Minister attended the sixth ASEM in Finland, we invited him to visit the embassy and talk to more than 300 overseas Vietnamese who were gathering there.

Many young Vietnamese nationals who were born in Finland have got high degree and integrated well into the local community. However, they do not know much about Vietnam. Therefore, we have paid special attention to creating favourable conditions for them to return to the homeland to attend Vietnam Summer Camp 2006.

VOVNews: As I understand, the embassy has attached great importance to boosting cooperation among the community. Could you elaborate on your diplomatic tasks of serving the country’s socio-economic development?

Ambassador An: At the recent conference of the diplomatic sector, we spent much time discussing how diplomats would do to serve economic development which is one of our primary tasks.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem has assigned three tasks of boosting trade turnover, increasing investment capital and facilitating arrangements for Vietnamese guest workers to go to Finland. Just after one year of operation, we have contributed to the strengthening of economic ties between Finland and Vietnam. We have contacted the political circles, and mobilised senior leaders to provide aid to Vietnam. Finland’s total ODA for Vietnam was estimated to reach 14 million euros in 2006 compared to 12 million in 2005.

In terms of trade, the embassy has organized and participated in many seminars and conferences to introduce Vietnam’s potential. In late 2006, I myself attended two seminars in Hanoi and HCM City to introduce Finland’s potential and enhance mutual understanding among enterprises and investors of the two countries.

Two-way trade turnover was expected to reach 130 million euros in 2006 including 80 million euros in export value. Vietnam’s major exports to Finland were wood products, rubber, garment and textiles, footwear, handicrafts and seafood. Currently, Finland lacks labourers while Vietnam has an abundant supply of cheap labour force. In addition, Finland has advantages of advanced technology, something which Vietnam is really in need of. The problem is how to arrange for partners, investors and enterprises to have regular exchanges.

Finland, like other EU countries, has strict policies of immigration. Another difficulty is that the country requires skilled guest workers who are fluent in English or Finnish.  

VOVNews: For trade promotion, it is very important to enhance the image of Vietnam in the world. Are there any activities to support this in Finland?

Ambassador An: Finnish people know little about Vietnam. They knew a heroic and indomitable Vietnam in the war but not a dynamic country with economic development. Many tourists have spoken highly of Vietnam after witnessing what was deeply impressed by its beautiful sights, culinary arts and goods.

We hope that Vietnam’s recent admission to the World Trade Organisation and successful organization of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will help promote mutual understanding between the two sides.

In 2007, we plan to organise some trade activities such as the Vietnamese Days, seminars, and exhibitions to introduce goods, culture and culinary arts. Currently, we are working with relevant agencies to carry out these activities.