Finland has more eggs in the Chinese basket than any other European country: Finnish Ambassador

Beijing, Nov.22 (People's Daily Online) -- China's sustained economic growth provides tremendous opportunities for Finnish companies. A broader partnership is now being sought in environment technology and the energy sector.

Finnish ambassador to China Jari Gustafson gives a video interview at People's Daily Online headquarters in Beijing on Nov 8, 2013. This is the first time that the Ambassador has given a video or TV interview since he assumed the post as Finnish ambassador to China in September. (People's Daily Online/Chen Jianjun)

"Business is one of my big challenges in China," the new Finnish ambassador to China, Mr. Jari Gustafsson, told People’s Daily Online in an exclusive interview.

Mr. Gustafson had been in Tokyo for four years before assuming the post as Finnish ambassador to China this September.

"One of our duties as Finns is to tell the story of the importance of China to other European countries, not only to individual countries, but also to European Union."

The world's economic center is shifting from West to East. China is now becoming a much more influential economy. The growing market in China continues to provide great opportunities for foreign investment. Last year, China became Finland’s fourth largest trading partner.

"Relative to the size of our economy, we have more investment in China than any other European country."

According to data provided by the Finnish Embassy on its website, at present, about 300 Finnish companies have set up operations in China. The Ambassador also encouraged Chinese investment in Finland. "We have a peaceful political environment, stable economic growth, and high-quality high-tech talent."

"I have spent a lot of my career helping companies to get better connected to people and helping companies to do better business. I really hope that I can use my experience to make a contribution in China."

Before becoming ambassador in Asia, Mr. Jari Gustafson was responsible for trade and industrial development in Europe. His experience helps him better promote the strengthening of bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

• Finland--anytime you want is right time to go: Ambassador
• Growing demand fuels Finland’s interest in Chinese: Ambassador
• Finnish cleantech sets its sight on China: Ambassador Gustafsson

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