India and Finland have agreed to enhance their economic relations and are looking into the potential of doubling trade by 2030 through a proposed EU-India free trade agreement. During a meeting in Helsinki, Finland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Riikka Purra and India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal discussed ways to diversify their economic cooperation. Purra emphasized the strategic partnership between the two countries in digitalization and sustainability, aiming to leverage the Free Trade Agreement to boost trade.
Purra highlighted Finland’s expertise in digital and sustainable technologies, aligning with India’s growth objectives and Sustainable Development Goals. She expressed optimism about deepening cooperation in areas such as space, defense, and critical technologies. Goyal also emphasized the importance of strengthening economic and financial ties, enhancing trade and investment relations, and expanding collaboration in digitalization and emerging sectors during the discussions.
Additionally, Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto met with Goyal to underscore mutual interests crucial for India’s growth targets and the implementation of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement. Puisto recognized the vast opportunities in the Indian market for Finnish businesses across traditional and newer sectors, emphasizing potential collaborations with Indian companies. Goyal’s discussions with Puisto explored potential partnerships in AI, 6G, quantum technologies, semiconductors, space, and sustainability.
Furthermore, Piyush Goyal engaged in high-level meetings with prominent Finnish technology and industrial firms in Helsinki, encouraging them to expand their investments in India by boosting manufacturing, research and development capabilities, and increasing exports from the country.
