Opinions & Interviews

GOMEL, 13 September (BelTA) – Belarus and Finland have every opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Finland Alexander Ostrovsky said at the plenary session of the Belarusian-Finnish economic forum on 13 September, BelTA has learned.

According to the diplomat, today’s discussion will help the two countries to expand trade, economic and investment cooperation, improve the knowledge of Finnish partners about Belarus as an economically attractive and reliable country.

Speaking about the economic cooperation between the two countries, Alexander Ostrovsky noted that the trade between Belarus and Finland totaled $108.5 million in 2015. Finnish investment in Belarus has so far made up $100 million. Belarus has 30 companies with Finland’s participation. “This country is an important economic partner. At the same time we have every opportunity to expand cooperation,” he said.

The diplomat named the trade in non-primary goods, implementation of big joint projects, enhancement of investment quality, expansion of trade in services and interregional cooperation among the key areas that can help the two countries tap deeper into the bilateral potential.

According to Alexander Ostrovsky, popularity of doing business in Finland with Belarusian entrepreneurs can be explained, first of all, by transparent rules of running a business, and stable economic and political situation. At the same time this market is tough, he said. “Firms that are able to steal the competitive edge from the traditional players on the Finnish market or those that introduce innovative products there are highly likely to succeed on other foreign markets,” he added.

The Ambassador expressed confidence that the forum would promote better awareness of each other’s potential and become a platform to discuss trade and economic projects.