The seminar was attended by the Vietnamese Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Pham Thi Kim Ngan, the Finnish Minister of Labour, Anni Sinnemaki, representatives from 15 Finish businesses as well as Vietnamese businesses, energy and environmental experts.

The seminar introduced modern, clean technologies and products, financial tools and sponsorship programmes for energy and environment projects as well as the potential to develop clean energy in Vietnam.

Managers, experts and businesspeople from the two countries discussed issues of mutual concern, such as Vietnam as one of 10 countries in the world which will be most seriously affected by climate change. In addition, Vietnam has a great need to use technologies and energy effectively. Finnish companies are seeking partners in Vietnam to deal with energy and environment challenges facing the country.

Santtu Hulkkonen, managing director of Cleantech Finland, emphasised that the two countries have discussed co-operation in technology and sustainable environmental solutions, especially managing water resources. We are very pleased with the fine co-operation between the two countries in recent times, he said.

Vice chairman of the New Ventures Fund, Neste Oil Group, said Finnish businesses are pioneers in clean technologies and environmental protection measures. We are ready to establish and maintain long-term relationships with Vietnamese partners, he said.

At the seminar, a memorandum of understanding on co-operation was signed between the Finnish Kemira Company and Vietnam National Chemical Corporation.