The Finnish PM also reaffirmed his commitment to the European Union agreement on adapting to climate change. He said it needs to be extended to help vulnerable countries like Vietnam.

He pledged to help Vietnam deal with climate change through projects and programmes by developing renewal energy, especially for the Mekong Delta, and green technology and increasing the use of clean measures in industry.

On the same day at an informal meeting with Le Hoang Quan, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Mr. Vanhanen highlighted the role of the city in the development of Vietnam over the years. He also expressed a keen interest in finding partners to develop clean industry, apply measures to protect the environment and ensure social security.

Le Hoang Quan said HCM City will make an active contribution to increasing bilateral turnover to US$1 billion in the few years. He hoped the Finnish government will create favourable condition for 5,000 Vietnamese nationals in Finland.

Finland opened its Consulate General office and the Finland Trade Centre (FinPro) in HCM City in May 2009 to penetrate the Vietnamese market.