homepage_name! > Editions > Number 040-041 > Interview - Kari Veijalainen
Interview
His Excellency Mr Kari Veijalainen, Ambassador of Finland to Serbia
The Republic of Finland is a Nordic country, bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.
Finland has population of around 5.4 million people, with the majority concentrated in the southern region. It is the eighth largest country in Europe in terms of area and the most sparsely populated country in the European Union.
Finland is a country of thousands of lakes and islands; 187,888 lakes and 179,584 islands to be precise. One of these lakes, Saimaa, is the 5th largest in Europe. The Finnish landscape is mostly flat with few hills and its highest point, the Halti at 1,328 meters, is found in the extreme north of Lapland. Besides the many lakes the landscape is dominated by extensive boreal forests (about 75 % of land area) and little arable land. The greater part of the islands is found in south-west, part of the archipelago of the Åland Islands, and along the southern coast in the Gulf of Finland. Finland is one of the few countries in the world that is still growing. Owing to the post-glacial rebound that has been taking place since the last ice age the surface area of the country is growing by about 7 square kilometers a year.
Finland is a parliamentary republic with a central government based in its capital - Helsinki and local governments in 336 municipalities. A total of about one million residents live in the Greater Helsinki area (which includes Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa), and a third of the country’s GDP is produced there. Other larger cities include Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Jyväskylä, Lahti and Kuopio.
Finland was a province and then a Grand Duchy under Sweden from the 12th to the 19th century and an autonomous Grand Duchy of Russia after 1809. It won its complete independence in 1917. During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom and resist invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of territory.
In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now on par with Western Europe. As a member of the European Union from 1995, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the Euro system at its initiation in January 1999.
With the best educational system in Europe, Finland has recently ranked as one of the world’s most peaceful, competitive and livable countries.
About this remarkable country, its beauties and relations with Serbia we were much honored to talk to His Excellency Mr Kari Veijalainen, Ambassador of Finland to Serbia.
Your Excellency, how do you feel in Belgrade? Can you tell us your impressions on Serbia?
My impression about Serbia and Belgrade is very positive. When I arrived almost four years ago I did not know much about the country or the region. Serbia has been a pleasant surprise both to me and my wife, and also to our guests. Many have been wondering how many parks there are in Belgrade. Greenery in the country side is also enjoyable. Our experience about Serbs has been overwhelmingly positive.
How long have you been at the position of the ambassador in Serbia and what did your diplomatic career look like before coming to Serbia?
My four years of service in Belgrade will soon come to an end and it is time to return to Helsinki. Before Belgrade I was posted as ambassador to Israel, another most interesting and exciting experience. For a long time I was dealing with the Middle East in different positions. Earlier I served at our embassies in Paris, Tokyo and Brussels.
What is diplomatic cooperation between our two countries like and what was it like in the past?
I note with satisfaction that diplomatic and other contacts between our two countries have intensified over the last few years. Kosovo declaration of independence caused only a short period of slow down in the relations. Since then the developments have been most positive. The Foreign ministers have paid visits to both directions at regular intervals and also have meetings in the margins of international conferences. Prime Minister Cvetkovic visited Finland with two government ministers and possibilities to increase trade were explored also by a Finnish business delegation, which visited Serbia a couple of years ago. This spring the President of Finland, Mrs. Tarja Halonen paid the first official state visit from Finland to Serbia. President Tadic has been on working visits in Finland a few years back.
And what about economic exchange? What is it like now and what needs to be changed in Serbia to improve economic cooperation between Finland and Serbia?
Trade between our two countries is still too modest even though progress can also be seen. Finnish exports to Serbia amounted to 25 million EUR in 2010 and imports to 7,5 million EUR.
I attended in June a festive start for construction of a new smeltery at the Bor copper mine. The Finnish company Outotec will construct the new smeltery in the next two-three years and it represents the BAT (Best Available Technology) in Europe. That will improve significantly the mine´s production, efficiency and competitiveness. It will also improve significantly the quality of air and environment. Recently a growing number of Finnish companies have indicated their interest to invest in Serbia and in the region as a whole.
Serbia should make further efforts to improve its image in Finland and elsewhere.
The Finnish export promotion organization Finpro and the Serb investment promotion agency SIEPA are planning to organize a seminar in Finland on the subject. I hope that interest of Serb and Finnish companies will be big enough to make the project to materialize. There is still room to improve business environment in Serbia by decreasing bureaucracy and simplifying procedures.
The Foreign Investors Council has made a number of useful recommendations in this respect.
Are there Finnish companies in Serbia, and if yes, which ones?
Some 40 Finnish companies are represented in Serbia. They are mainly represented by local agents. To mention only Nokia-Siemens Networks, Kone/Eurolifts and Ruukki, part of the Finnish companies also take part in the activities of the Nordic Business Alliance, recently established body, which is a combined effort by Finnish, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian companies present in Serbia.
What do Finnish investors think of Serbian market? Are there any planned investments in Serbia in the future?
The image of Serbia is not the best possible. Many still have in mind the recent wars and tragic events.
Differences with regard the status of Kosovo are not encouraging the companies either. The EU integration process has improved perception of Serbia and adoption of European standards makes it easier for companies to operate and for Serbia to export its products. In principle the Serbian markets are seen as promising but the risks are considered carefully.
I mentioned the big Bor project just started. I hope it will inspire other companies too, to come to the Western Balkans. There has been growing interest also in textile industry, rubber industry and paint products for example.
Recently a Finnish company called Tikkurila Oyj bought the Serbian paint company Zorka Color d.o.o. Tikkurila has been very active and successful in Eastern Europe and sees the Balkans as an interesting market area.
This is the first Finnish acquisition in Serbia and I hope that it will lead the way for other Finnish investors as well.
After arresting Ratko Mladic, it seems that image of Serbia in Europe and the world have become better. But there is still unresolved Kosovo issue. In your opinion, will the recognition of Kosovo independence be eventually set before Serbia as precondition for joining EU?
Arrest of Mladic was a very important step forward even though it could have happened earlier. In recent years and months Serbia has been working hard to fulfill all the criteria for EU accession talks. The criteria are the same for all countries. However, it is well known for everybody that there must be functioning normal relations between Serbia and Kosovo before they can become EU member states. I hope that the ongoing dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo paves the way for that with agreed practical steps which will make people´s everyday life easier.
Could you tell us something about Serbian-Finnish relations regarding culture and education?
The cultural exchange is growing all the time. Last year we had the exhibition of Finnish national epos Kalevala and the Finnish film week. The Finnish Days were organized for the first time in New Belgrade. In the field of music there are close contacts between institutions and visits are quite frequent.
In July the famous Finnish cellist Anssi Karttunen participates in Belgrade cello festival holding also master classes for Serb musicians. A number of books for adults and children have been translated from Finnish to Serbian language. Finnish rock bands have concerts in Serbia; they have been taken part also in Exit.
The Embassy gets often questions regarding the school system and good PISA-results of Finland. We have the agriculture-students project between Finland and Serbia and had for some years ago the project of the education of teachers in Belgrade, Jagodina, Novi Sad and Sombor.
Finland is best known as land of lakes and forests. Besides that, Finland gave the world many famous people. How would you present your country to our readers, including its very interesting history?
There are some 180 000 lakes in Finland and the forests are vast. Our artists have been very much inspired by the nature and cultural tradition between east and west.
Finland is an example of a country which has had hard times in the history. United we have been able to face such situations. We have been able to recognize the realities and to build a prosperous modern welfare state. Equal good education to all citizens, investments in research and development and innovative approach have been keys to our success.
The brand Finland has been described with four words starting with C: “FINLAND – CREDIBLE, CONTRASTING, CREATIVE, COOL”.
This year the British Monocle magazine ranked Helsinki as the best city in the world to live in.
What would you recommend to tourists who come to visit Finland?
The land area of Finland is big, it extends 1300 kms from South to North and so there is a lot to see. The biggest lake in Central Finland is more than 100 kms long. Helsinki is a must. It is located on a peninsula and big ferry boats sail to the very heart of the city.
A sightseeing tour in the archipelago around Helsinki is highly recommended. Turku – the old capital- is the European cultural city of the year with many activities.
All over the country there are tens of cultural events especially in summer time. Trip on a ferry boat from Helsinki or Turku to Stockholm is an unforgettable experience since the archipelago makes navigation of the big hotel like boats exciting. Lapland in the north is worth visiting all around the year (skiing, hiking, fishing).
What do you particularly like in Serbia?
Relaxed atmosphere, friendly people, Belgrade, rich nature.
How do you usually spend you free time?
Playing tennis and golf. Reading and listening to music. Travelling around the Western Balkans and finding new interesting places.
What will you take from Serbia as a memory of your staying here?
I have many good memories in my mind which I can refresh by watching photographs that my wife has taken. We have also bought a picture presenting the saints of the Serbian Orthodox Church to remind us about our pleasant stay in Serbia.
Finland has population of around 5.4 million people, with the majority concentrated in the southern region. It is the eighth largest country in Europe in terms of area and the most sparsely populated country in the European Union.
Finland is a country of thousands of lakes and islands; 187,888 lakes and 179,584 islands to be precise. One of these lakes, Saimaa, is the 5th largest in Europe. The Finnish landscape is mostly flat with few hills and its highest point, the Halti at 1,328 meters, is found in the extreme north of Lapland. Besides the many lakes the landscape is dominated by extensive boreal forests (about 75 % of land area) and little arable land. The greater part of the islands is found in south-west, part of the archipelago of the Åland Islands, and along the southern coast in the Gulf of Finland. Finland is one of the few countries in the world that is still growing. Owing to the post-glacial rebound that has been taking place since the last ice age the surface area of the country is growing by about 7 square kilometers a year.
Finland is a parliamentary republic with a central government based in its capital - Helsinki and local governments in 336 municipalities. A total of about one million residents live in the Greater Helsinki area (which includes Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa), and a third of the country’s GDP is produced there. Other larger cities include Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Jyväskylä, Lahti and Kuopio.
Finland was a province and then a Grand Duchy under Sweden from the 12th to the 19th century and an autonomous Grand Duchy of Russia after 1809. It won its complete independence in 1917. During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom and resist invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of territory.
In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now on par with Western Europe. As a member of the European Union from 1995, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the Euro system at its initiation in January 1999.
With the best educational system in Europe, Finland has recently ranked as one of the world’s most peaceful, competitive and livable countries.
About this remarkable country, its beauties and relations with Serbia we were much honored to talk to His Excellency Mr Kari Veijalainen, Ambassador of Finland to Serbia.
Your Excellency, how do you feel in Belgrade? Can you tell us your impressions on Serbia?
My impression about Serbia and Belgrade is very positive. When I arrived almost four years ago I did not know much about the country or the region. Serbia has been a pleasant surprise both to me and my wife, and also to our guests. Many have been wondering how many parks there are in Belgrade. Greenery in the country side is also enjoyable. Our experience about Serbs has been overwhelmingly positive.
How long have you been at the position of the ambassador in Serbia and what did your diplomatic career look like before coming to Serbia?
My four years of service in Belgrade will soon come to an end and it is time to return to Helsinki. Before Belgrade I was posted as ambassador to Israel, another most interesting and exciting experience. For a long time I was dealing with the Middle East in different positions. Earlier I served at our embassies in Paris, Tokyo and Brussels.
What is diplomatic cooperation between our two countries like and what was it like in the past?
I note with satisfaction that diplomatic and other contacts between our two countries have intensified over the last few years. Kosovo declaration of independence caused only a short period of slow down in the relations. Since then the developments have been most positive. The Foreign ministers have paid visits to both directions at regular intervals and also have meetings in the margins of international conferences. Prime Minister Cvetkovic visited Finland with two government ministers and possibilities to increase trade were explored also by a Finnish business delegation, which visited Serbia a couple of years ago. This spring the President of Finland, Mrs. Tarja Halonen paid the first official state visit from Finland to Serbia. President Tadic has been on working visits in Finland a few years back.
And what about economic exchange? What is it like now and what needs to be changed in Serbia to improve economic cooperation between Finland and Serbia?
Trade between our two countries is still too modest even though progress can also be seen. Finnish exports to Serbia amounted to 25 million EUR in 2010 and imports to 7,5 million EUR.
I attended in June a festive start for construction of a new smeltery at the Bor copper mine. The Finnish company Outotec will construct the new smeltery in the next two-three years and it represents the BAT (Best Available Technology) in Europe. That will improve significantly the mine´s production, efficiency and competitiveness. It will also improve significantly the quality of air and environment. Recently a growing number of Finnish companies have indicated their interest to invest in Serbia and in the region as a whole.
Serbia should make further efforts to improve its image in Finland and elsewhere.
The Finnish export promotion organization Finpro and the Serb investment promotion agency SIEPA are planning to organize a seminar in Finland on the subject. I hope that interest of Serb and Finnish companies will be big enough to make the project to materialize. There is still room to improve business environment in Serbia by decreasing bureaucracy and simplifying procedures.
The Foreign Investors Council has made a number of useful recommendations in this respect.
Are there Finnish companies in Serbia, and if yes, which ones?
Some 40 Finnish companies are represented in Serbia. They are mainly represented by local agents. To mention only Nokia-Siemens Networks, Kone/Eurolifts and Ruukki, part of the Finnish companies also take part in the activities of the Nordic Business Alliance, recently established body, which is a combined effort by Finnish, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian companies present in Serbia.
What do Finnish investors think of Serbian market? Are there any planned investments in Serbia in the future?
The image of Serbia is not the best possible. Many still have in mind the recent wars and tragic events.
Differences with regard the status of Kosovo are not encouraging the companies either. The EU integration process has improved perception of Serbia and adoption of European standards makes it easier for companies to operate and for Serbia to export its products. In principle the Serbian markets are seen as promising but the risks are considered carefully.
I mentioned the big Bor project just started. I hope it will inspire other companies too, to come to the Western Balkans. There has been growing interest also in textile industry, rubber industry and paint products for example.
Recently a Finnish company called Tikkurila Oyj bought the Serbian paint company Zorka Color d.o.o. Tikkurila has been very active and successful in Eastern Europe and sees the Balkans as an interesting market area.
This is the first Finnish acquisition in Serbia and I hope that it will lead the way for other Finnish investors as well.
After arresting Ratko Mladic, it seems that image of Serbia in Europe and the world have become better. But there is still unresolved Kosovo issue. In your opinion, will the recognition of Kosovo independence be eventually set before Serbia as precondition for joining EU?
Arrest of Mladic was a very important step forward even though it could have happened earlier. In recent years and months Serbia has been working hard to fulfill all the criteria for EU accession talks. The criteria are the same for all countries. However, it is well known for everybody that there must be functioning normal relations between Serbia and Kosovo before they can become EU member states. I hope that the ongoing dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo paves the way for that with agreed practical steps which will make people´s everyday life easier.
Could you tell us something about Serbian-Finnish relations regarding culture and education?
The cultural exchange is growing all the time. Last year we had the exhibition of Finnish national epos Kalevala and the Finnish film week. The Finnish Days were organized for the first time in New Belgrade. In the field of music there are close contacts between institutions and visits are quite frequent.
In July the famous Finnish cellist Anssi Karttunen participates in Belgrade cello festival holding also master classes for Serb musicians. A number of books for adults and children have been translated from Finnish to Serbian language. Finnish rock bands have concerts in Serbia; they have been taken part also in Exit.
The Embassy gets often questions regarding the school system and good PISA-results of Finland. We have the agriculture-students project between Finland and Serbia and had for some years ago the project of the education of teachers in Belgrade, Jagodina, Novi Sad and Sombor.
Finland is best known as land of lakes and forests. Besides that, Finland gave the world many famous people. How would you present your country to our readers, including its very interesting history?
There are some 180 000 lakes in Finland and the forests are vast. Our artists have been very much inspired by the nature and cultural tradition between east and west.
Finland is an example of a country which has had hard times in the history. United we have been able to face such situations. We have been able to recognize the realities and to build a prosperous modern welfare state. Equal good education to all citizens, investments in research and development and innovative approach have been keys to our success.
The brand Finland has been described with four words starting with C: “FINLAND – CREDIBLE, CONTRASTING, CREATIVE, COOL”.
This year the British Monocle magazine ranked Helsinki as the best city in the world to live in.
What would you recommend to tourists who come to visit Finland?
The land area of Finland is big, it extends 1300 kms from South to North and so there is a lot to see. The biggest lake in Central Finland is more than 100 kms long. Helsinki is a must. It is located on a peninsula and big ferry boats sail to the very heart of the city.
A sightseeing tour in the archipelago around Helsinki is highly recommended. Turku – the old capital- is the European cultural city of the year with many activities.
All over the country there are tens of cultural events especially in summer time. Trip on a ferry boat from Helsinki or Turku to Stockholm is an unforgettable experience since the archipelago makes navigation of the big hotel like boats exciting. Lapland in the north is worth visiting all around the year (skiing, hiking, fishing).
What do you particularly like in Serbia?
Relaxed atmosphere, friendly people, Belgrade, rich nature.
How do you usually spend you free time?
Playing tennis and golf. Reading and listening to music. Travelling around the Western Balkans and finding new interesting places.
What will you take from Serbia as a memory of your staying here?
I have many good memories in my mind which I can refresh by watching photographs that my wife has taken. We have also bought a picture presenting the saints of the Serbian Orthodox Church to remind us about our pleasant stay in Serbia.
