Development cooperation today is far removed from what we once knew as development aid.

The value of many Finnish and European export products is built on our core values – respect for human rights, the environment, and democracy. By promoting these values, we also support the internationalization of our companies. There will be no demand for our products and services unless their value is understood.

Finnish companies succeed globally with environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions, circular economy innovations, high-quality education, and digital services that benefit society in a sustainable and responsible way.

This kind of development is being advanced through our funding, for example in Ukraine, where a new kind of future-oriented business is being created with our support – already involving over 50 Finnish companies!

Finnpartnership supports the launch of long-term business operations by Finnish companies in developing countries using development cooperation funds.

I’ve had the opportunity to review over a thousand project applications from Finnish companies.

I’m pleased to say that the majority of them have demonstrated a strong connection to Finland’s development policy objectives. This has enabled us to support these projects with development cooperation funding. The result is the creation of sustainable and dignified jobs locally, and new business opportunities and market access for Finnish companies in developing markets. Often, the new business created in these markets significantly supports the company’s operations in Finland, too.

Development cooperation, true to its name, is multifaceted collaboration that takes place on many levels – between governments, organisations, and companies – and in many directions. The different components support each other. While companies’ primary mission is not to promote values, a value-based approach offers a significant competitive advantage. At the same time, it leads to dignified jobs, a cleaner environment, and access to education, services, and information.

In collaboration, everyone wins!

Birgit Nevala
Programme Director