President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has received Ville Skinnari, Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Finland, who is also the Co-Chairperson of the Kazakhstan-Finland Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation.
Welcoming the guest, the President noted the importance of Finnish delegation’s visit to Kazakhstan as an additional impetus to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation.
Over the 30 years of development of diplomatic relations, Finland has become Kazakhstan’s second largest investor among the Nordic states. In addition, Kazakhstan accounts for 90% of Finland’s trade with Central Asia.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the importance of the two states’ partnership in trade-economic, transport-logistics, and education sectors. He expressed readiness to provide full support to the Finnish entrepreneurs to encourage their investment in Kazakhstan.
In turn, Ville Skinnari thanked the Kazakh leader for a warm welcome, noting the great potential for cooperation between the two countries.
According to him, the Finnish delegation includes the representatives of 8 large companies such as Nurminen Logistics Plc, Nokia, Lamor, Wärtsilä Finland, PayIQ, EPSE and others. During the upcoming meetings, the parties will focus on strengthening the trade-economic relations.
Furthermore, the Finnish side plans to open a visa hub at the Embassy of Finland in Astana, which will serve the citizens of Central Asian states.
The parties also exchanged views on the topical issues of the international and regional agenda.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev conveyed his sincere wishes to President of Finland Sauli Niinistö and invited him to visit Kazakhstan.