Prime Minister Ratas stressed that Finland is number one partner for Estonia in export and that about one quarter of foreign direct investments originate from there. “Geographic proximity and cultural similarities make cross-border cooperation between Estonia and Finland easy. At the same time, the differences that we have make the cooperation mutually beneficial. That is the reason behind the ongoing growth in the number of Estonian and Finnish companies that are connected through ownership or trade relations,” the Prime Minister said.
“Finnish companies have had an important role in shaping Estonia’s economy within the last 30 years. Our Northern neighbours’ capital investment and knowledge have benefitted us greatly and Estonia has grown to be an equal partner for Finland. Nordic business culture and its values have become a natural part of Estonian business and if you add the proximity of the Nordic markets to this, this has helped to pave the road to the world for our entrepreneurs.”
Ratas stressed the important role of innovation, research, development and education to promote the competitiveness of both Estonia and Finland. He also talked about Estonia’s easy-to-use digital business environment and possibilities for cross-border cooperation. “Estonia and Finland are both open to innovation and new technology is a good basis for developing cross-border digital solutions and services, both in the public and private sector,” the Prime Minister said.
