PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: On November 12, 2025 in Kolkata, The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) organized an interactive session with H.E. Mr. Kimmo Lähdevirta, Ambassador of Finland to India, focusing on bilateral ties in innovation, sustainability, digitalization, and technology. Attendees included Ms. Sanna Orava, Counsellor at the Embassy of Finland; Mr. Vikash Lohia, Chairman of the ICC Railway Committee and Director at Jupiter Wagons Ltd.; and Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General of the ICC. Discussions spotlighted Finland’s R&D prowess in areas such as AI, quantum technology, smart manufacturing, green hydrogen, and the circular economy, urging Indian firms to partner with Finnish counterparts for global expansion.
“India will host the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) in Delhi next autumn—the first in continental Asia—in collaboration with Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund. This milestone underscores our deepening Finland-India partnership in sustainability and innovation,” said Ambassador Lähdevirta. He highlighted 75 years of diplomatic ties since 1949, with over 100 Finnish firms operating in India, including eight in West Bengal, and regional strengths such as ports, agro-industry, and talent in eastern India.
Emphasizing ‘DESIM’ (Digitalization, Education, Sustainability, Innovation, Mobility), he noted that businesses drive growth, urging ICC members to lead in climate action and resilient supply chains. Finland’s carbon-neutrality goal by 2035 and expertise in clean energy align closely with India’s green ambitions.
Ms. Orava praised Finland’s top rankings in sustainability, governance, and happiness, noting that the country invests 3% of its GDP in R&D and targets 4% by 2030. Finland holds the number one spot on the World Happiness Report, having been ranked as the happiest country for eight consecutive years as of the 2025 edition. This ranking is based on a combination of factors, including social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
Mr. Lohia lauded joint efforts in smart cities, renewables, and education through the Innovation Partnership. Dr. Singh mentioned that technology collaboration in various sectors, including mining and waste management, is going to play an important role in India-Finland bilateral economic partnerships. Dr. Singh stressed the need to translate innovations into inclusive impacts.