Finland Times

 

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (R) shakes hands with his Finnish counterpart Jyrki Katainen (L) during their meeting at the Open Innovations International Forum in Moscow on October 31, 2013. Photo - AFP / Lehtikuva.

Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen on Thursday said that Finland always welcome Russian investment to Finland, and expressed cooperation in this regard.

 

The premier met his Russian counterpart Dmitri Medvedev in Moscow while attending an international Open Innovations Forum, said an official press release on Friday.

 

In connection with the forum, the premiers discussed how to promote investments and develop innovation cooperation between Finland and Russia.

 

“Russian businesses are starting to find Finland as an interesting place to invest. I told Prime Minister Medvedev that Russian investments in Finland are very welcome,” said the Prime Minister in Moscow.

 

He also said Finland believe that -- in the long run -- Russia's recent WTO membership will benefit all parties and facilitate fruitful contacts between Finnish and Russian businesses.

 

The prime ministers also discussed the future of cross-border traffic between Finland and Russia and Visa-free travel between the European Union and Russia, according to the release.

 

“Mobility between our countries will increase even before the possible exemption from visa requirements. For that reason, it is important that Finland and Russia have a clear and common view of the ways to develop cross-border traffic and infrastructure, and ensure the smooth running of air traffic in the Russian airspace. Finland hopes that in the near future, the same will apply to the import tax on paper and paper board which Russia, in line with the WTO requirements, is to cut down,” said Prime Minister Katainen.

 

Prime Ministers Katainen and Medvedev also visited the technology exhibition, organised as part of the innovation forum, and there the Team Finland stand where representatives of innovation financiers, polytechnics and universities, and the national nanocluster showcased the Finnish know-how. 

 

A total of thirty Finnish businesses and dozens of Finnish experts participated in the Open Innovation Forum, said the release.