Minister Harakka meets with Minister-President of Flanders

On Tuesday 29 November, Minister-President of Flanders Jan Jambon made a working visit to Finland focusing on innovation, the green transition, foresight, academic cooperation, data and digitalisation, and trade and investment. As European innovation leaders, Finland and Flanders are at the forefront of research and technology.

During his visit, Minister-President Jambon met with Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka. His programme also included visits to Sitra, Stora Enso and Nokia. Together with the Mayors of Helsinki and Espoo, Minister-President Jambon participated in an academic conference on innovation ecosystems and the role of universities, hosted by the University of Helsinki, Aalto University and KU Leuven. In addition, Minister-President Jambon, who also serves as Minister of Culture, visited the exhibition by Hans Op de Beeck at the Amos Rex Museum.

 During the visit, Finland and Flanders shared views on digitalisation and data and topical economic and energy questions.

"In our discussions today, Minister-President Jambon and I stressed the importance of the digital transformation in responding better and more effectively to new challenges. A key element of this digital transformation is the data economy, the ability to swiftly exchange data and facilitate data ecosystems," says Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka.

 "My first visit to Finland strengthens my belief that Flanders and Finland are very like-minded and can benefit greatly from even closer cooperation on EU affairs, innovation, and the green and digital transition," says Minister-President Jan Jambon.

Inquiries:

Annina Tikkanen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Transport and Communications, [email protected], tel. +358 50 478 3398