Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio Visits Nepal to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Tavio, has commenced a four-day official visit to Nepal, from November 25 to 28, with the aim of deepening bilateral ties and exploring avenues for development and economic cooperation.

Minister Tavio’s visit began with a tour of the historic Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site symbolizing Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. The visit marks a significant step in enhancing Finland’s partnership with Nepal, which has been a cornerstone of Finland’s development cooperation strategy in South Asia.

Focusing on Development and Trade Cooperation

During his visit, Minister Tavio will observe several Finland-supported development cooperation projects, emphasizing the strong linkage between development initiatives and trade opportunities. A delegation of Finnish organizations engaged in development and international business activities accompanies the Minister, reflecting a holistic approach to fostering mutual growth.

The Minister is set to visit UN Women projects that focus on promoting women’s economic independence and supporting female entrepreneurship. Finland is a key donor to UN Women in Nepal, championing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“Finland has supported Nepal’s development for a long time, and Nepal is one of Finland’s key partners in development cooperation. Through our joint efforts, we have achieved significant milestones, including improving children’s reading skills, providing clean drinking water to over two million Nepalese, and advancing women’s employment opportunities,” said Minister Tavio.

Education Sector Collaboration

A major highlight of the visit will be the launch of the TECSES (Technical Support Cooperation to School Education Sector in Nepal) project. This five-year initiative, a collaboration between Finland, the European Union, and Nepal, aims to enhance teacher education and strengthen the country’s education system. Minister Tavio will visit a municipal school in Kathmandu to witness Finland’s ongoing contributions to Nepal’s education sector, a partnership spanning over 25 years.

Economic Engagement and Diplomatic Milestone

Beyond development cooperation, the visit underscores efforts to promote commercial and economic linkages. Minister Tavio will meet with representatives from Nepal’s private sector and state administration to discuss avenues for mutual investment and trade.

The trip will also feature the announcement of Finnfund’s new investment in Nepal’s telecommunications sector, an impactful initiative aimed at driving technological growth and connectivity in the country.

The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and Nepal, a milestone to be celebrated during the Minister’s stay.

Minister Tavio’s visit represents Finland’s commitment to fostering sustainable development, trade, and mutual prosperity, strengthening a partnership that has delivered impactful results for decades.