Digital Economy, Ecotourism among Prospects for Davao-Finland Cooperation

Finnish Ambassador, H.E. Juha Markus Pyykkö, in a courtesy meeting with Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, said that digital economy and tourism are industries where Finland and Davao could cooperate on, adding that these are viewed as untapped business opportunities where Finnish expertise can be of help.

“We want to make Finish expertise known in the region,” says Ambassador Pyykkö as he expressed cooperation with the City Government of Davao to encourage Finnish investors to explore investment opportunities in the city and boost Finland-Davao trade relations.

Other areas of possible cooperations mentioned by the Finnish envoy include education, adventure tourism, and Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Technology.

The 2022 Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) placed Finland as the No. 1 EU country in terms of human capital, connectivity, integration of digital technology and digital public services. In 2021, the country launched its digital economy transformation projects in line with the government’s aim of becoming an international pioneer in the digital economy by 2030.

Ambassador Pyykkö is currently in the city to attend the inauguration of the Honorary Consulate of Finland in Davao. He met with Mayor Duterte for a courtesy meeting which was also attended by DCIPC head April Marie C. Dayap and Mr. Sherwin Manual representing SP Committee on International Relations Chairman Coun. Augusto Javier Campos.

The envoy was accompanied by Mr. Herbert Nyqvist of the Finnish Embassy, Honorary Consul Antonio Peralta and Mr. Fercy Cavan of the Honorary Consulate. Ambassador Pyykkö is in Davao from October 12 to 14 to also meet with other agencies in the region.