Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is to pay an official visit to Finland on Sept. 9-12, when he will meet Finnish officials on ways of promoting full Sino-Finnish cooperation as well as attend the 9th China-EU summit and sixth Asia-Europe Summit.

China and Finland have witnessed steady development of bilateral ties since the two countries established diplomatic relations 56 years ago. In recent years, high-level exchanges have become more frequent, bringing bilateral relationship, especially trade and economic ties, to a new level.

Finland has constantly pursued the one-China policy, and Finnish officials have on many occasions stressed the significance of promoting the friendly relations between the two countries, hoping that China will play an increasingly important role in international politics.

Finnish President Tarja Halonen said during his trip to China in May that the two countries, which have different social systems, could learn from each other and carry out broad exchanges and successful cooperation.

Based on good political relations, the Sino-Finnish cooperation covers a broad range of fields including economy, trade, science and technology, culture, education and legal affairs.

With bilateral trade hitting 6.25 billion U.S. dollars in 2005, twice that of 2000. China has become Finland's largest trading partner in Asia, and Finland is likewise ranked the No. 1 Nordic nation in trade with China.

Finland's investment in China has reached 5 billion euros (6.2 billion dollars), with more than 200 firms opening branches in China including industrial giants like Nokia, UPE-Kymmene cooperation and KONE.

The Chinese and Finnish leaders believe that the two countries are highly complementary in business and have broad prospects for cooperation. Both sides are determined to further tap the huge potential of development and expand cooperative ties.

Impressed by China's huge economic potential, Finland, a world leader in forest industry, metallurgy, energy, IT, biology and environmental protection, is seeking full cooperation with China by increasing bilateral economic ties and trade and preparing to meet demands from China.

Finland's forest industry is well-known for sustained development. Its paper making industry exercises some of the world's strictest standards for environmental protection. Both industries have set a good example. Their experience and technical know-how could be learnt by other countries, including China, which is trying its utmost to reduce pollution while keeping a sustainable economic growth.

Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen expressed interest in the opportunity to help with environmental protection when he visited China in April.

Finland has advanced technology for environmental protection, economical use of energy, social security and other aspects, he said. Finland could deepen its cooperation with China in forest industry, energy production, energy-saving technology, environmental protection, bio-technology, health and medicine, as well as social welfare, he added.

Both sides are expected to discuss full cooperation during the Chinese premier's visit to Finland.

Source: Xinhua