Catégorie : Presse Finlandaise

Niinistö responded sharply to critics: ”Human rights were a bigger topic than pandas”

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Summary:
President Sauli Niinistö stressed that human rights were discussed more than pandas during the state visit of the Chinese President. Niinistö wondered at a press conference about the criticism over the historic visit of the Chinese President. Many had criticized the fact that pandas played the main role and that Finland did not dare to raise serious human rights issues. According to Niinistö, these claims are wrong.

Media:  Kauppalehti
Date: 6.4.2017
Journalist: –
Main source: Sauli Niinistö/ president

Harsh accusation of tax planning

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Summary:
NGO FinnWatch accuses development finance company Finnfund’s Finnish consulting company Dasos Capital of aggressive tax planning. Finnfund denies the claim and considers Finnwatch’s allegations irresponsible. Both parties were invited to meet with Foreign Trade and Development Minister Kai Mykkänen on Monday for a consultation with the goal « to discuss principles face to face ». Finnwatch Executive Director Sonja Vartiala requires that Finnfund’s owner – the State – must prevent tax evasion related to investments made in the name of development cooperation. She demands an independent investigation by the Foreign Ministry.

Media:  Iltalehti
Date: 11.4.2017
Journalist: –
Main source: –

Will robots steal our jobs? Artificial intelligence development creates unusual challenge for Finland

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Summary:
Ilta-Sanomat writes that the European Parliament is hoping for legislation on robotics. MEPs Miapetra Kumpula-Natri and Merja Kyllönen, who participated in the preparation of the Parliament’s report, say that heavy or dangerous tasks could be automatised in the health care sector. Ms Kumpula-Natri and Ms Kyllönen believe robotisation can create opportunities for Finns as they are fairly pro-technology on a European scale. Ms Kumpula-Natri notes that the Finnish government wants to be in the frontline when it comes to AI and that suits Finnsh who have good technical capabilities. She suggests that Finnish know-how could be put into action when new innovations are developed in the European internal market, or even outside it, as this would create prosperity and jobs in Finland.

Timo Soini: Sad and shocked about the horrible events in St Petersburg

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Summary:
Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini is shocked and sad about the events in St Petersburg on 3 March and describes them as horrible in a Twitter message posted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Soini offers his deepest condolences. At least 10 people are believed to be killed in the explosion in the St Petersburg subway.

Media:  Demokraatti.fi
Date: 3.4.2017
Journalist: Rane Aunimo
Main source: Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini

Niinistö: Putin and Trump meeting in Finland would be a great

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Summary:
President Sauli Niinistö says it would be great if the Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump could meet in Finland at the Arctic Council summit in May. Mr Putin mentioned he would be willing to meet Mr Trump in Finland at a press conference in Arkangel after a reporter asked about it. Mr Niinistö emphasises that the proposal in itself was nothing new and notes that the meeting could be possible if the situation between the United States and Russia was calm enough and some arctic issues would also be discussed. Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini says a meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Putin would be excellent news as Finland is this year also celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Chinese and Finnish Presidents praised relations between the countries – “May pandas become messengers”

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Summary:
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö praised the good relations between the countries as they met in Finland on Wednesday. Mr Niinistö said that in international politics, China cooperates with the EU in guaranteeing free trade in the world, for example. During their meeting, the two presidents signed collaboration agreements on e.g. panda protection and co-operation in the justice sector and discussed topical issues related to international affairs, such as the difficult situation between the Koreas, as well as the EU and Russia. Mr Niinistö also diplomatically reminded Mr Xi about China’s history of violating human rights by stating that Finland emphasises improving human rights and rule of law as well as co-operation in the justice system.

Nordea: Finland’s GDP will grow by 1.3% this year and 1.5% next year

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Summary:
Nordea has raised its GDP forecast and now expects Finland’s GDP to grow by 1.3% this year and 1.5% next year. According to Nordea’s economists, the outlook of the global economy has improved significantly starting from the end of 2016 and world trade has finally started picking up. Economic growth in Finland will expand from domestic consumption and housing construction to all demand categories, and economist Pasi Sorjonen expects also exports to start supporting growth this year thanks to the improved situation in world trade. Chief Economist Aki Kangasharju points out that the Finland is still facing challenges as labour market negotiations begin in the autumn and the economy demands reforms.

Business Finland to drive export – new opportunities sought all the way in Africa

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Summary:
Innovation financing centre Tekes and provider of internationalisation services Finpro will be merged at the beginning of next year into Business Finland Oy which will provide services for promoting export, investments and tourism. The change will increase embassies’ responsibilities in promoting export as ambassadors will become Team Finland country managers. Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen would look for new investment opportunities in Eastern Africa where growth is quick and there is demand for clean energy and wastewater treatment in which Finnish businesses have know-how. Finland’s goal is to double SME exports by 2020.