Finland is willing to support Vietnam with technological solutions, helping the country better integrate into the global economy as well as deal with difficulties after joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO), said Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam Pekka Hyvonen.

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 trade promotion, 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.

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 partners 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 230 million USD, with Vietnam enjoying a trade surplus.

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