A seminar took place on May 6 in the central coastal city of Da Nang to discuss investment opportunities and tools supporting trade connection between Vietnam and Finland.

The event, co-organised by the municipal People’s Committee and the Finnish Embassy in Vietnam, was part of activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

At the seminar, Da Nang authorities and 30 local businesses introduced to the Finnish side the city’s investment environment, socio-economic situation, development potential as well as foreign investment attraction policies and related regulations.

They briefed the guests on the support they give to businesses of both countries to set up partnerships, while announcing Finland-funded free assistance and development cooperation programmes for businesses and universities in Da Nang.

The Finnish side expressed their interest in clean technologies related to water, energy and environment, education, communication and information technology, and import-export.

In November, 2011, Da Nang and Salo city of Finland signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in hi-tech scientific research as well as trade and investment promotion in both cities, especially in IT and communications, high technology, vocational and higher training.

Notably, the Finnish Foreign Ministry funded three projects in Da Nang valued at 1.53 billion VND in 2011, as part of the Vietnam-Finland Innovation Partnership Programme (IPP).

Besides, a number of colleges and universities of both countries have also established links through joint projects and the exchange of students and lecturers.-VNA