China's Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian Photo: Yin Yeping/GT

A spokesperson of China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Thursday that Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's recent visit to China was successful and the two sides achieved a series of pragmatic outcomes in economic and trade cooperation. 

Spokesperson He Yongqian made the remarks at a press briefing when asked to comment on what consensus and outcomes the two sides have reached in the economic and trade field during Orpo's China visit, as well as how China and Finland will further deepen and consolidate bilateral economic and trade cooperation going forward. 

During the visit, MOFCOM and Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment signed a Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening the work of the China-Finland Committee for Innovative Business Cooperation, and jointly hosted the sixth meeting of the committee. Orpo and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao attended the closing ceremony and delivered speeches. More than 50 Chinese and Finnish companies held in-depth discussions on cooperation in innovation, green development, and digitalization, and signed multiple commercial agreements covering sectors such as mining machinery, healthcare, papermaking, and green buildings, said the MOFCOM spokesperson.

Finnish companies widely expressed confidence in China's economic outlook and the potential of its mega-sized market, and said they would continue to invest in and deepen their presence in China over the long term, said the spokesperson.

Looking ahead, the MOFCOM will work with the Finnish side to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, make good use of mechanisms such as the bilateral economic and trade joint committee to enhance policy communication, said He.

It will also support Finnish companies in expanding exports of high-quality products and services to China, and welcome Finnish enterprises to continue investing in China and sharing opportunities brought by high-quality development, the spokesperson said.

Global Times