~Commitment to Advancing Startup Cooperation, Skilling, Education, Renewable Energy, and Sustainability.
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, June 10, Ambassador of Finland to India, Kimmo Lähdevirta, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar.
To strengthen business and investment opportunities for Gujarati entrepreneurs in Finland and to enhance Startup cooperation in education, sustainability, and development between Finland, India, and Gujarat, a Finnish Consulate Office has been established in Ahmedabad. Shri Kulin Lalbhai has been appointed as the Honorary Consul.
In this regard, Ambassador Mr. Lähdevirta, along with his delegation, visited Gujarat and held a courtesy meeting with the Chief Minister. Shri Kulin Lalbhai and his team accompanied him during the visit.
Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel conveyed a keen interest in understanding Finland’s success in the Happiness Index and its advancements in school education. He also mentioned Gujarat’s willingness to study Finland’s education system.
He emphasised that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Gujarat has emerged as a leader in education and startups. The government actively supports Startup cooperation through financial assistance and market support, empowering them to become self-reliant (Atmanirbhar).
The Chief Minister expressed interest in fostering Startup cooperation between Gujarat and Finland, aiming to leverage Finland’s expertise in skilling and education to help Gujarat-based startups flourish.
Ambassador Kimmo Lähdevirta lauded Gujarat’s robust ecosystem in renewable energy, green transition, and infrastructure. He said that approximately 10 Finnish companies are already active in Gujarat, and many more have shown enthusiasm for future investment and business engagements in the state.
Describing his visit to Gujarat as historic, the Ambassador said that the inauguration of Finland’s Consulate Office in Ahmedabad marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties between Finland and Gujarat.
The meeting featured meaningful discussions on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as renewable energy, skilling, startup collaboration, and education.
Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel mentioned that Finland could advance in energy storage, alongside green and renewable energy.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister M.K. Das, Principal Secretary of the Industries Department Mamta Verma, Industries Commissioner P. Swaroop, and other dignitaries.
