India invites Finland's technology

New Delhi, Feb 7 (UNI) Inviting technology and investment from Finland, Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath today said this in tandem with India's skilled human resource base could create a win-win situation for both the countries.

Presenting the country's vibrant economy as a huge opportunity for doing business with India during his meeting with Finland Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen here, he called for active cooperation in renewable energy sectors.

He said India was looking forward to early conclusion of comprehensive trade and investment negotiations with European Union (EU). "India recognises the importance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to exploit potential of the growing Indian markets and participate in projects related to infrastructural development in particular", he added.

He said both the governments should encourage businesses to explore new areas and sectors and to widen and deepen the trade basket which was presently concentrated in a few products such as readymade garments, machinery and electronic goods.

He also called for bilateral cooperation in forestry and forest industries, information technology, civil aviation, environment, science and technology, air services, ports and shipping, culture, tourism and financial cooperation.

On multilateral trade, Mr Kamal Nath reiterated India's commitment to a rule-based system, adding it was engaged constructively and actively with fellow member-countries of the World Trade Organisation for achieving an early conclusion of the Doha round. A large high-level delegation representing officials and businesses of the Nokia country was present at the interactions, Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

Bilateral trade between India and Finland was 804 million dollar in 2006-07.

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