Finnish Prime Minister on development of cooperation with China

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Europe

By CGTN’s Tian Wei and Ding Dai

Finland has very clear goals when it comes to the relationship with China; business based on green technology, winter sports cooperation and opportunities related to the Belt and Road Initiative.

CGTN’s Tian Wei spoke to Finland's Prime Minister, Juha Sipila, who is engaged in the development of ties with China.

Sipila believes that fighting climate change and the development of clean technology is one of the most important areas of cooperation.

CGTN's Tian Wei speaks to Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipla. /CGTN Photo

Sipila himself is also a promoter of carbon reduction.

“I decided my family will be carbon neutral. And a part of that project I made a wood gas stove. Heating and electricity was based on wood gas... I am an engineer so it’s only a challenge. It took about one year to build a wood gas car and heating to my house. But it was fun. I think everyone can do their part for that and we have a special program for every Finn in Finland,” he said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila during the 2017 Summer Davos, Dalian on June 27, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

Finland is an important cooperative partner of China. Sipila said free trade is the primary vision to transform future economy and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative will be beneficial for both sides.

“We actually discussed railway connection through Finland and China. Also, data cable connection through the Arctic Sea through Finland to Europe and China. This is one target. And also air traffic. It’s very important between China and Finland. Helsinki has been a kind of hub between Europe and Asia,” he said.