Kuvituskuva:
Finnish companies and EastCham Finland travel to Central Asia in a delegation led by President Stubb
The significance of the Central Asian region in the global economy and geopolitics is growing rapidly. EastCham Finland is organizing a business program in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in connection with President Alexander Stubb’s official visits.
Central Asia’s strategic position has become increasingly important, especially since Russia launched its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. The countries in the region are striving to diversify their economies, reduce dependence on Russia, and develop alternative trade routes such as the Trans-Caspian Corridor. In the EU’s and Finland’s foreign policy strategies, Central Asia’s green transition, critical minerals, and sustainable partnerships are seen as key areas of cooperation.
The business program includes high-level seminars in the capital of Kazakhstan Astana and the capital of Uzbekistan Tashkent, where Finnish companies from sectors such as mining, energy, forestry, and construction will present their solutions to local decision-makers and businesses. The goal is to promote concrete cooperation projects and signing of memorandums of understanding.
The delegation includes several Finnish companies seeking growth opportunities in the region’s rapidly developing markets. In total, 24 companies and business organizations are participating. Finnish companies’ operations in the region are based on responsibility and alignment with EU sanctions policy, with a strong emphasis on preventing sanction circumvention in all activities.
High-level visit
President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb is visiting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for the first time as president. The previous working visit to Kazakhstan was made by President Sauli Niinistö in 2017, and Uzbekistan by President Mauno Koivisto during his official visit in 1992. The president’s presence lends prestige to the Finnish companies’ introduction to the Central Asian markets and strengthens Finland’s position as a reliable partner in the region.
EastCham Finland is strongly represented during the visit. EastCham’s Chair of the Board Petri Vuorio and CEO Jaana Rekolainen are part of the business delegation. Director of Services Tarja Teittinen and Almaty Office Head Altyn Shakirkhanova are coordinating the business delegation’s program in cooperation with Business Finland. The Confederation of Finnish Industries has been responsible for assembling the business delegation.
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President Stubb to make official visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan