Finland's Minister of Housing and Communications Ms Krista Kiuru has met India's Communications Minister Mr Kapil Sibal in India. The meeting was also attended by representatives of Finnish companies.
The discussions, held in a spirit of openness, focused on issues such as future network solutions and the timetables for their introduction, the adoption of new frequency bands and matters relating to foreign investment in India.
Minister Kiuru also brought to discussion the problems that Finnish companies have encountered in India. A particular topic was the tax enquiry carried out at Nokia. Ms Kiuru stressed that Nokia is a responsible company, and that it wishes to cooperate with the local authorities. She asked Minister Sibal to submit a message to the Indian Ministry of Finance requesting that the matter be settled quickly.
Apart from Nokia, the meeting also discussed the problems of other Finnish companies in India.
"Finland and India have such good relations that we can also discuss problems in a spirit of goodwill and openness. In India, Finnish companies are known for their responsible way of operating and I am sure that a solution to the issues now discussed will be found", Ms Kiuru said.
"Minister Sibal promised that he and the other Indian authorities would make every effort they can to settle this matter."
Further information:
Mr Kalervo Haverinen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Housing and Communications, tel. +358 50 331 6914
