Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen at lunch with Mr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy of India
New Delhi, India, 4 February 2010
(check against delivery)
Distinguished Minister Abdullah,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my third visit to India in my capacity as Prime Minister of Finland. It has always been a pleasure to visit your fascinating country and witness your progress which deserves our greatest admiration.
As on previous occasions, I am accompanied by a very high-level Finnish business delegation.
We are here in India for two reasons: to attend the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit 2010 and to promote and enhance trade and economic relations between our two countries -- this time concentrating in the field of environmentally friendly technology.
As we all know, climate change continues despite the international summits we have had in Copenhagen and will have in Mexico City. Climate change also continues despite the economic and financial crisis which we are experiencing.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The environmental challenges we are facing are not going to disappear. Something must be done.
In Finland, we believe that one of the key answers is green and clean technology. We want to direct the economic stimulus packages into the development and introduction of green innovations. Investments in cleaner technologies pay for themselves through efficiency and a better standard of living. All this is done in full compliance with an open trade and investment environment. In fact, we seek cooperation with India to further open trade and investment both within the WTO as well as bilaterally between the European Union and India. A particular focus area is open trade in environmental goods and services.
Finnish cleantech companies, many of whom are represented around this table, are among the global leaders in energy efficiency, clean industrial processes and bioenergy. Due to our energy-intensive industries, cold climate and long distances Finland has invested in energy efficiency for decades. International comparisons of sustainability have ranked Finland among the best in the world.
Renewable energy sources have an essential role in decreasing greenhouse gases and fighting climate change. Finland is a leading user of renewable energy sources in the world. One of the most important renewable sources of energy in Finland is bio-energy, particularly wood and wood-based fuels.
Distinguished Minister,
The relations between Finland and India are excellent. Exchange of high level visits accompanied by business delegations has been very active recently. The potential for cooperation between our countries is huge. I am especially pleased that the Indo-Finnish Joint Working Group on Environment is taking more concrete steps in promoting projects between stakeholders. A good example is in the field of renewable energy between your Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the VTT of Finland.
In addition to governmental and scientific cooperation I would like to point out that Finnish Cleantech companies can provide solutions for India among others in reliable, efficient and cost-effective power production, energy efficiency, wind power turbines and components, nuclear energy know-how, bio-energy, waste management, water management, efficient irrigation and sustainable agricultural practices, comprehensive environmental measurement & monitoring solutions for air and water. And the list goes on.
I am sure that the Finnish cleantech companies present here can tell you more about their strengths but let me briefly introduce the business delegation I have brought here today.
Starting from the leader of the business delegation, chairman of the Confederation of Finnish Industries, Mr Sakari Tamminen. He is also President and CEO of Ruukki (Rautaruukki Corporation). His company is a multi-skilled actor in the steel and engineering industries where for example recycling is given a special consideration
Mr Unto Ahtola’s company Cargotec is the world's leading provider of cargo handling solutions offering effective and environment friendly handling systems for the loading and unloading of goods.
Mr Harri Kerminen is President and CEO of Kemira, which is a global chemicals company focusing on water-intensive industries offering water quality and quantity management that improves customers' energy, water, and raw material efficiency.
Mr Lauri Kivinen is Head of Corporate Affairs of Nokia Siemens Networks whose energy solutions are designed to reduce network operating costs and lower the power of consumption.
Ms Päivi Leiwo-Svensk is Chairman of the Board of Oilon International which manufactures burners and combustion systems for liquid and gaseous fuels to provide environmentally friendly energy to the customers.
Mr Pertti Korhonen is President and CEO of Outotec which is a leading global provider of process solutions, technologies, and services for the mining and metals industries
Mr Kjell Forsén is President and CEO of Vaisala, which is a global leader in environmental and industrial measurement.
Mr Rakesh Sarin is Managing Director of Wärtsilä India. Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets.
Chief Policy Advisor Mikael Ohlström represents The Confederation of Finnish Industries EK, which is the leading business organisation in Finland.
Distinguished Minister,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To conclude, I would like to thank Ambassador Hakala for hosting this luncheon which gives us the opportunity to meet and discuss these matters of our mutual interest.