India and Finland have decided to explore areas of cooperation in the fields of Highway as well as Shipping and Port sector. This was discussed at a meeting held between the Prime Minister of Finland Mr. Matti Vanhanen and the Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Thiru T. R. Baalu here today. Ms. Susanna Huovinen, Minister of Transport and Communications of Finland. was also present on the occasion.

Thiru Baalu told the visiting leaders about the ambitious National Highway Development Programme (NHDP) and informed them of the Government's decision to take up all future highway upgradation programmes through Public-private partnership (PPP). The Minister also informed about the formulation of National Maritime Development Programme involving an investment of about US $ 22 Billion in Ports, Shipping, Shipyard and Inland Waterways. Thiru Baalu said that his Ministry has taken necessary steps to create investment friendly policies and mitigation of risk factors for the investors. He said that the legislative and legal measures to protect private investment are in position and procurement procedures are well defined and transparent.

The Finnish Prime Minister highlighted the recent growth trends of Finnish investments in India and explored future opportunities for the Finland investments to participate in the road and port development programmes of India. Thiru Baalu sought mutual cooperation in the area of Ship building and emphasised that the advanced technology of Finland in this area would help the Indian Ship building industry. To achieve mutual cooperation in these areas, the two sides agreed that there is a need for the authorities in India and Finland to establish a close coordination and communication for understanding the respective areas of strength, capability and achievements in technology pertaining to highway and port sector.

The two sides also agreed to explore the possibility of forming joint ventures in the area of Cargo handling equipment. It was also agreed upon that both countries would cooperate in the areas of Inland Water transport and Maritime training. Thiru Baalu sought Finnish assistance in setting up of the proposed National Maritime University in the country. The Minister also informed that Indo-EU Agreement in Maritime Service is due for finalization after discussion with EU authorities.

The two sides also discussed the progress made on Asian Highway Network Project which proposes to join some Asian countries with Europe through Iran and Russia. Various issues pertaining to road safety were also discussed and two sides agreed to share their experience in this area.

The Finnish Minister of Transport and Communication, Ms. Susanna Huovinen extended invitation to the Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways to visit Finland for arriving at consensus on areas of cooperation.

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