Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Honourable Moses F. Moyo, MP, says the National Assembly is poised to deepen bilateral ties with Finland in trade and investment as part of efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and promote sustainable development between the two countries.

Hon Moyo said this when the Minister of Economic Affairs of Finland, Dr. Sakari Puisto, MP, who led a Finnish delegation accompanied by Her Excellency Ms. Saana Halinen, paid a courtesy call on him on Thursday, 5^th February, 2025, at Parliament Buildings.

He said Zambia appreciates Finland’s continued support in areas of private sector development, youth employment, environmental sustainability and social protection, noting that programmes supporting micro, small and medium enterprises have contributed to inclusive economic growth.

He added that the strong bilateral relations at national level have also translated into productive parliamentary cooperation through sustained engagements and exchanges between the two legislatures.

“Zambia remains committed to strengthening parliamentary cooperation as a means of supporting trade, investment and sustainable economic development,” he said.

The Second Deputy Speaker further called for deeper cooperation in afforestation, stating that Zambia can learn from Finland’s experience in sustainable forest management, climate resilience and circular economy solutions in order to support environmental protection.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sakari Puisto said Finland is keen to strengthen economic cooperation with Zambia through increased trade, investment and private sector partnerships, particularly in mining, value addition and sustainable industrial development.

He said his visit to Zambia also forms part of Finland’s economic diplomacy agenda aimed at supporting responsible investment and long-term economic growth.

He added that parliamentary engagement plays an important role in supporting bilateral relations and said collaboration between the Zambia–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Groups (ZFPFG) complements government to government relations by fostering dialogue, policy coherence and investor confidence.

Ambassador of Finland to Zambia, Her Excellency Ms. Saana Halinen, said Finland values the warm and constructive cooperation with the National Assembly of Zambia and the Zambia–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group.

She noted that Finland has facilitated several high-level visits to Zambia and said it has been encouraging to see the steady growth of parliamentary diplomacy.

“There are still many untapped areas of cooperation between the two countries and the Finnish Embassy remains ready to facilitate resources and further collaboration, including through structured engagements between the two parliaments,” she said.

Speaking at the same meeting, Chairperson of the Zambia–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mr. Imanga Wamunyima, said that while the Group recognises that this is an election year for the country, it remains committed to strengthening parliamentary relations between Zambia and Finland.

Mr Wamunyima stated that the Zambia-Finland Friendship Group not only provide important platform for cooperation but also for exchange of best practices to help ensure that bilateral cooperation delivers tangible benefits to the people of Zambia and Finland.

Ms Jacqueline Sabao who is also Vice Chairperson of the Zambia–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group, said that it is her hope that the Group can also learn from the Finnish in terms of how women in Parliament are performing.

She said that the Finnish should also consider supporting the development of capacity building programmes for women that are combined with leadership training and mentorship.

Ms Sabao said this will help strengthen women’s participation in politics and promote inclusive governance in Zambia.