H. E. Mr. Aapo Esa Ilmari Pölhö assumed his present assignment as Finland’s new Ambassador to India in the beginning of May 2013. Within a short spell of time, he has played vital role in infusing new vitality and dynamism in the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, India, through his dynamism and farsightedness. Under his dynamic leadership and inspiring guidance, relations between the Finland and India are prone to make rapid strides in political, economic, technological and socio-cultural fields. India’s relations with Finland are friendly and cordial; nevertheless, there is still a vast scope for bringing this relationship on a trajectory of growth through mutual cooperation. Prior to taking over the present position, he served as Head of the Embassy of Finland in Cairo, at the Embassy of Finland in Brussels and simultaneously at the Mission of Finland to NATO in Brussels.
His other services at diplomatic missions included postings to the Embassies of Finland in Baghdad, Mexico, Brasilia and Washington, as well as the Permanent Mission of Finland to the UN in Geneva.
Mr. Pölhö joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland in 1976. In the past he has served as Director General of the Department for Africa and the Middle East, Deputy Director General of the Political Department, Director of the Security Policy Unit, and Deputy Director General of the Unit for Security Policy and the Unit for Arms Control. Most recently, he has worked at the Ministry, handling tasks related to the Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone in the Middle East.
His vast diplomatic experience, sound understanding of global and regional geopolitics and analytical acumen to comprehend the political economy can be helpful in further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation
between India and Finland for mutual advantage.
Excerpts from Interview:
Dr Arvind Kumar, Editor, Focus Global Reporter, recently interviewed H. E. Mr. Aapo Esa Ilmari Pölhö Ambassador of Finland to India. Excerpts of the operative part of the interview are as follow:
FGR: How do you view the pattern of relations between India and Finland?
H.E. Mr. Pölhö: Finland and India enjoy excellent relations. Over the years, we have built a substantive bilateral partnership based on a comprehensive set of bilateral agreements, high-level political dialogue, growth in trade and investments as well as increasing cooperation in the fields of science and technology, innovation and education.
FGR: How many companies from Finland are operating in India and name some leading companies?
H.E. Mr. Pölhö: At the moment, more than 120 Finnish companies have established operations in India and about 100 other Finnish companies trade with Indian businesses through local cooperation arrangements. Some of the biggest Finnish companies present in India are: Nokia, Kone, Fortum, Lindström, Outokumpu, Metso and Wärtsilä – just to mention a few.
FGR: What is the rationale behind India Action Plan adopted by Finland on 18 April 2013 and what are its main features?
H.E. Mr. Pölhö: The India Action Plan has been prepared at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in cooperation with other ministries and key stakeholders with an interest in India in Finland. Similar action plans have previously been prepared with regard to China, Russia, the United States, Canada and Latin America. The purpose of the Action Plan is to assess India’s development, examine the relations and cooperation between our countries and survey new opportunities for closer and increasing cooperation.
FGR: Do you think that India Action Plan would bring India and Finland closer to each other?
H.E. Mr. Pölhö: Relations between Finland and India have diversified considerably in the past decade. Finland’s new India Action Plan charts cooperation in various sectors and sets goals for its expansion in future. I can already say that Finland and India have never before been so close to each other. Finnair’s direct flight to Delhi takes only 6.5 hours and has meant appreciable increases both in tourism and in contacts of all sorts.
FGR: What steps do you suggest to augment investment from Finland in India?
H.E. Mr. Pölhö: Succeeding in the Indian market requires a clear strategy, thorough market analysis, good contacts and persistence. The Embassy of Finland, Finpro’s Trade Center and other Finnish authorities offer companies a range of support services relating to the promotion of internationalization and export. There is also a variety of funding options available for smaller and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking business opportunities in India. A positive investment climate in India is also a crucially important factor for the Finnish as well as for other companies when they make decisions regarding investment destinations.
FGR: What suggestions would you like to offer for enhancing existing level of cooperation between India and Finland?
H.E. Mr. Pölhö: We naturally hope to enhance the cooperation between our countries by attracting more Indian companies to do business in Finland as well. Finnish government is business-friendly, and the country has a developed infrastructure, a skilled workforce and competitive operating costs. Red tape is minimal and Finland is one of the least corrupt countries in the world according to Transparency International. Foreign-owned companies can benefit from government investment incentives and access to the latest research from the extensive cooperation between Finnish universities and the private sector. As one of the most competitive and open economies in the world, Finland has a great deal to offer foreign investors.
Finland enjoys the highest possible status with the global credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. According to the latest report from Fitch, Finland’s AAA status “is underpinned by sound public finances, a solid external
position, high income per capita, demonstrable political and social stability and an impeccable debt service record”.
