Finnish ambassador eyes dynamic opportunities in visit to Cebu

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FINLAND'S Ambassador to the Philippines, Saija Numinen, made her first official visit outside Metro Manila by traveling to Cebu on Monday, December 16.

The trip to Cebu emphasizes Finland’s intent to deepen ties with the Philippines through collaboration in key areas such as trade, education, and sustainable development.

Accompanied by Jose Franco Soberano, Finland's Honorary Consul in Cebu, Numinen joined a gathering with local media where she tackled their ongoing and planned partnerships with the country in areas like digitalization, green energy, and cultural exchange.

Soberano highlighted the significance of the ambassador’s visit, noting that Numinen’s extensive diplomatic experience positions her to advance Finland-Philippines relations effectively.

He emphasized that the dynamic opportunities in Cebu align well with Finland’s priorities, particularly in green energy and innovation.

Numinen underscored Finland’s commitment to sustainable development and expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the Visayas on projects supporting mutual growth.

She identified Cebu’s vibrant economy and entrepreneurial spirit as key factors that make it an ideal partner for Finland’s innovation-driven initiatives.

She also emphasized Finland’s strengths in lifelong learning and vocational training, which could address local upskilling needs.

"We know how important, for example, upskilling is here in the Philippines, and Finland has top-notch vocational training and training facilities, so we are looking for a partnership there," she said.

She outlined Finland’s focus on partnerships enhancing labor mobility and educational cooperation, particularly in sectors like IT, healthcare, and green jobs.

Finland’s recent achievement as the top-ranked country globally for adult skills in math and reading highlights its dedication to lifelong education and adaptability.

Numinen believed these qualities could provide valuable insights for the Philippines as it pursues its development goals.

Finland is increasingly interested in trade with the Philippines, especially with the resumption of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the European Union and the Philippines.

Numinen reaffirmed Finland’s advocacy for free trade within the EU, supporting efforts to streamline trade relations.

During her stay, Numinen planned courtesy visits to Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Monday and Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia the next day to explore joint initiatives.

She aimed to leverage Finland’s expertise in areas such as sustainable energy, waste management, and digital infrastructure to address pressing local challenges.

Finland’s advanced waste management system, where only 1 percent of waste ends up in landfills, was highlighted as a potential model for Cebu.

Numinen saw opportunities to share these solutions with local municipalities, particularly in waste-to-energy conversion and recycling initiatives.

Soberano highlighted successful examples of Finnish involvement in Cebu, such as River Recycle, a company addressing river pollution by converting collected plastics into construction materials.

Numinen viewed Cebu as a natural choice for her first trip outside Metro Manila, considering its status as a hub of business and innovation.

She expressed optimism that the partnerships formed during her visit could establish a foundation for long-term collaboration.

The visit also coincided with the upcoming 20th anniversary of Finnish-Filipino diplomatic relations in 2025.

Numinen emphasized the significance of this milestone, which both countries aim to celebrate through enhanced people-to-people programs, educational exchanges, and sports diplomacy initiatives.(MyTVCebu)