The Finland-Pakistan Business Council (FPBC) hosted its 10th annual Finland-Pakistan Business Summit in Islamabad in 2023. This year’s summit was largely focused on developing cooperation in the energy and education sectors in order to increase bilateral commerce, investment, and the sharing of technological experience in support of shared growth and development.
The summit was opened by the ambassador of Finland to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Hannu Ripatti, while the former prime minister of Pakistan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, presided over an important session entitled “The Future of Pakistan’s Energy Landscape.” Pakistani business owners, business representatives, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders were also present at the conference.
More than a decade ago, the summit has encouraged corporate collaboration between the two nations through networking opportunities. It has facilitated the exploration of economic prospects, the exchange of knowledge, and the use of the Finnish corridor by Pakistani enterprises to access the vast markets of the European Union and the Nordic countries.
All of the panelists, renowned experts in their various disciplines, highlighted the necessity for Pakistan to adopt the Finnish model for socioeconomic success by increasing its reliance on renewable energy and excellence in education, professional training, and gender equality. In addition, they emphasized the need for Pakistan to encourage investment and a constant transfer of new technologies and technical experience by realigning its regulatory framework in order to boost its energy and other essential economic sectors.
The ambassador of Finland to Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Hannu Ripatti, expressed his satisfaction with the degree of commercial collaboration between Pakistan and Finland during his address at the summit. As Finland is the gateway to the EU market and has vast technical skills to assist in the development of Pakistan’s commercial and education sectors, he stated that Pakistan may benefit from this collaboration for its socioeconomic progress.
Mr. Wille Eerola, chairman of the Finland-Pakistan Business Council and honorary consul general of Pakistan in Finland, stated, “Finland and Pakistan have close connections, which are fostered by their common aspirations for economic growth and development.” This year, we are conducting the summit in Islamabad and Karachi in order to bring together the Finnish and Pakistani business communities to debate and explore potential for partnership.”
The Finnish group was thrilled with their “myth-shattering” Pakistani encounter. They praised the gastronomic delights, rich culture, and friendliness of Pakistan. The next meeting is scheduled for later this week in Karachi.