Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen joined us as a guest speaker at Finland-Southeast Asia Business Association on January 28, 2026. The theme of the event was, naturally, Finland’s trade and diplomatic relations with Southeast Asian nations.

In October 2025, Minister Valtonen signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) with The ASEAN Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This historic step strengthens Finland’s ties to the region, promotes technological cooperation, and bolsters our political partnership with ASEAN member states.

Southeast Asia has seen robust economic growth in recent years, averaging around 5%, and the region’s economic outlook remains favorable. Forecasts suggest steady growth will continue, with an expected rate of approximately 4.3% for 2026. Notably, Vietnam and the Philippines have achieved growth rates exceeding 6%, while Indonesia has surpassed the 5%. Southeast Asia will therefore continue to be a global growth engine from which EU countries, including Finland, will benefit. Thank you to all participating members and the photographer Truong Quoc An (Andy).

Text: Jani Kaulo

Pictures: Andy Truong