Pakistan and Finland are moving toward a new chapter in economic relations following a productive meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, and Finland’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Hannu Ripatti.
The ambassador met with Jam Kamal Khan at the Commerce Ministry to discuss strategies for expanding trade ties and exploring untapped areas for collaboration, said a press release issued here on Tuesday.
Minister Jam welcomed Ambassador Ripatti and reaffirmed the Pakistani government’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Finland.
“I believe in deep coordination with our counterparts to enhance trade relations,” Jam stated, emphasizing the importance of identifying dormant sectors and activating them for economic benefit.
The minister highlighted his vision of tapping into unutilized resources and expanding into areas such as education, information technology, textile, health, construction, and social development. There is a possibility of a government-level delegation from Finland visiting Pakistan, which could mark a milestone for both countries, with expectations to solidify agreements and increase investment opportunities, he added.
One of the key initiatives discussed during the meeting was Pakistan’s establishment of the National Compliance Council (NCC), which seeks to ensure that local products meet international standards.
Minister Jam Kamal explained that the NCC will work with provincial and federal bodies to “sensitize” them on the importance of compliance, positioning Pakistani exports to be competitive in international markets. “The NCC will play a crucial role in aligning our products with global quality standards,” Jam added.
Finland’s presence in Pakistan’s business landscape has already proven fruitful, with companies such as Nokia, Kone, and Qvantel Telecom operating in collaboration with local firms.
Ambassador Ripatti praised the success of these businesses and highlighted the contributions they make to Pakistan’s educational landscape by providing technical training to university students. This collaboration, he said, not only supports Finland’s business interests but also strengthens Pakistan’s workforce by equipping students with globally relevant skills.
The ambassador also praised the talent of Pakistani engineers, describing them as “assets of your country,” capable of working under diverse conditions, and emphasized that Pakistan should focus more on the global demand for skilled technicians.
Jam Kamal responded by highlighting Pakistan’s skilled yet affordable labor force, suggesting that this human capital could be further leveraged by Finnish industries.—APP
