Summary:

The Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen discusses the TTIP agreement in KL. He believes that it will continue proceeding after the presidential election in the US even though both of the candidates are negative about it. Minister Mykkänen says that the situation is challenging but not hopeless. However, he thinks that the agreement will not proceed quickly as it is a long process and there is still a lot to negotiate. According to Minister Mykkänen, the TTIP has raised false ideas and monsters. However, he highlights the European Union’s negotiation mandate which takes all these worries well into account. Minister also mentions that free trade would create new jobs.

Summary:

Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen says Finland should concentrate its efforts in development assistance on improving the status of women and girls and on education. Finnish development aid funds will also be directed to risk sharing finance and private sector investment finance because a strong private sector is necessary for development to be sustainable. According to Mr Mykkänen, more important than the precise amount spent on development co-operation is that the money is directed to projects that give the best results. He emphasises that it is a basic human principle to help those in need.

Summary:

Minister for Foreign Trade Kai Mykkänen has delivered to Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström Finland’s three conditions for Britain’s EU exit. Minister Mykkänen would like to see clear conditions so that Britain will not be able to do any cherry-picking. Finland maintains that the exit must be handled quickly, it should be fair with regard to divisions of money and power, and Britain should stay in the internal market so that trade can continue as before. Minister Mykkänen says that countries that are on the EU’s “outer circle” cannot have the same benefits as actual members. This could lead to other countries rethinking their position in the Union.

Summary:

Minister for Foreign Trade Kai Mykkänen considers reports of the TTIP treaty’s death premature after meeting with Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström in Brussels. Mr Mykkänen says that the commissioner has « strong intent » to finish the treaty, although it might not be finished before the end of US President Barack Obama’s term. Mr Mykkänen believes that the treaty could bring thousands of jobs to Finland. The minister also met with Commissioner for Development Neven Mimica. Finland and the Commission agree that development aid should be given in the form of investments into local companies.

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat (E-edition) 

Summary:

Minister for Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen does not see signs of improvement in the Ukraine crisis. « Russia thinks geopolitics is now more important than economic stability, » he says. The Minister does not consider lifting sanctions an option. Still, he urges Finnish companies to aim for the Russian markets. « 95% of our exports are not affected by the sanctions, » Mr Mykkänen points out. This autumn, Minister Mykkänen is restarting the Finnish-Russian economic commission for the first time in three years.

Media:  MTV – Finland

Date: 20.8.2016

Journalist: –

Main source: Minister for Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen

Minister for Trade and Development Lenita Toivakka says that Finland’s exports start growing through internationalisation. In addition, cost competitiveness must be fixed. Therefore, Minister Toivakka thinks it is important that the social contract advances. According to the Minister, there is demand for Finnish knowhow abroad but there are not enough Finnish companies on the markets. She emphasises that services export, such as information technology knowhow and project construction, is not seen in the statistics. Finnish companies succeed with high quality, reputation and technology, but price is something that they struggle with, Ms Toivakka finds.

Media:  YLE Uutiset

Date: 21.3.2016

Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini recently visited Australia and New Zealand. He thinks Australia could be a giant market for Finland. The country offers business opportunities particularly in the cleantech sector, in mining industry and treatment of dangerous waste. There is also interest in Finnish start-ups. According to Minister Soini, Australia is a very attractive country to Finnish companies because of good authority collaboration, few hindrances to business and the fact that Australians have money. He adds that people in Australia are technology-oriented. Australia is a big economy but a small trade partner for Finland. Minister Soini estimates this is due to lack of contacts and long distance.