Finland and China to boost collaboration in low-carbon technologies and circular economy

The Ministers will discuss the experiences gained in research and innovation cooperation between Finland and China and their future. A particular aim is to accelerate joint projects in the fields of low-carbon economy, circular economy, and food and health.

Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä and the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang will hold a video conference on Friday 15 October 2021. This is their first meeting. 

“Finland is interested in strengthening cooperation with China in smart energy solutions and the health and food sectors, for example. We have a great deal of expertise in these fields. The green transition requires technological solutions, and it is important to discuss their development and introduction with major innovator countries,” Lintilä says. 

Finland and China could cooperate in low-carbon and circular economy

There are opportunities for cooperation between Finland and China related to low-carbon, circular economy and wellbeing technologies. China has stated its aim to cut carbon dioxide emissions starting at 2030 and to become carbon neutral by 2060. In its new five-year plan, China emphasises the importance of innovations. This is an opportunity also for Finnish companies and research. 

The cooperation between the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology is based on a treaty adopted in 1986. Follow-up meetings on the treaty are held on a regular basis. In addition, Finnish funding organisations, higher education institutions and research organisations have diverse cooperation relationships with China. The Ministers want to support the active interaction between those involved in cooperation and help them find solutions to common challenges through research and product development.

Inquiries: 
Nina Alatalo, Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs (EU and international affairs), tel. +358 29 504 7171
Riikka Astala, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7057
Mikko Puustinen, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7144