ABU DHABI — The World Trade Organization (WTO) plays a crucial role in advancing the trade of environmental goods and services, which is vital for nations worldwide to achieve their climate objectives, said Ville Tavio, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development.
As a frontrunner in clean technologies, Finland champions the cause for a more open and unrestricted trade in this domain, he told WAM during an interview at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13).
“There’s considerable work to be done to establish a level playing field where low-energy technologies can be freely traded. I believe the WTO will be instrumental in this arena as well,” Tavio remarked, serving as the leader of the Finnish delegation to MC13.
Finland, aiming for climate neutrality by 2035, has innovated in low-energy, clean technologies, integrating them across sectors through digitization, he detailed. The minister underscored that the unimpeded trade of clean technologies is essential for achieving climate goals.
“I think we should set higher ambitions for trade and the environment. Beyond MC13, the facilitation and liberalization of trade in environmental goods and services should become a long-term objective for the WTO.”
High Hopes on the UAE
The four-day MC13, hosting critical global trade discussions, will run through Thursday, 29th February, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Approximately 164 countries and trading blocs are attending the Ministerial Conference, the WTO’s highest decision-making entity, convening biennially.
Reflecting on the UAE’s role as the MC13 host, the minister said, “My experience with the Emirates hosting the COP 28 Climate Conference last year was very positive. This country is an excellent venue for such events, and I believe the UAE can successfully host more in the future.”
E-Commerce & Circular Economy
Tavio reiterated Finland’s support for extending the moratorium on customs duties for e-transmissions.
This sector’s growth is accelerating annually, and there’s a strong desire for increased e-commerce, he observed. “Thus, we advocate for its continuation as a duty-free sector. Achieving worldwide customs-free trade is crucial and beneficial for all.”
The minister called for enhanced dialogue on the circular economy to foster its best practices worldwide.
He is involved in an MC13 sideline event focused on how the global trading system can bolster the shift towards a circular economy, orchestrated by Finland in partnership with the World Economic Forum.
“We must also leverage trade to tackle global development challenges, particularly by integrating the least developed countries (LDCs) more effectively into the global economy,” Tavio emphasized.
Finnish-UAE Trade Relations
The minister highlighted that the UAE stands as Finland’s foremost trade ally in the Gulf region.
“There’s significant work ahead in bolstering our trade, especially in digitalization, where Finland leads globally. There’s a broad spectrum of technologies that can be exchanged between our countries.”
Tavio confirmed Finland’s dedication to enhancing bilateral economic cooperation. There’s substantial potential to expand trade and investments, notably in information and communications technology (ICT), digitalization, clean energy, and the circular economy.
Moreover, he mentioned that smart city and mobility solutions, as well as innovative technologies in the healthcare and education sectors, are promising areas for joint ventures.