Finland: Ministers Lintilä and Sutt discussed Finnish-Estonian cooperation

NordenBladet — Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä held a meeting with Estonia’s new Minister of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology Andres Sutt on 9 February 2021. During the video conference, the ministers discussed the Finnish-Estonian cooperation and current EU issues.

In addition, the ministers exchanged views on the coronavirus epidemic and its effects on companies and tourism in particular. The ministers also touched on other issues that they consider central for Finland and Estonia, including climate objectives and digitalisation.

“The coronavirus did not have a significant impact on imports and exports between Finland and Estonia in 2020. The effects of the crisis are most evident in the service sector, such as tourism, and transport and construction. Finland shares Estonia’s concerns regarding these sectors. The current travel restrictions are based on a careful assessment and we hope that the situation will improve soon,” Minister Lintilä said.

Lintilä also congratulated Minister Sutt on his appointment. He took up his duties on 26 January.Finland and Estonia have very close economic relations. Finland is Estonia’s most important trading partner in goods and services. Estonia, on the other hand, is important for Finnish companies because many of them have production facilities there. Finland is the second most important foreign investor in Estonia. Estonian companies, on the other hand, are interested in the larger Finnish market.