Filipino workers eyed to fill Finland’s labor gap

CEBU, Philippines — Saija Nurminen, the Finnish Ambassador to the Philippines, emphasized the growing importance of Philippine-Finnish bilateral relations, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in labor mobility, education, green technologies, and sustainable development.

Nurminen, during her first business visit to Cebu since her appointment in September 2024, shared that the Finnish government and employers are increasingly seeking Filipino workers to address labor shortages in Finland. These shortages are particularly acute in blue-collar sectors such as welding, construction, healthcare, information technology (IT), and emerging green jobs.

“Filipino workers have proven to be adaptable and skilled. There’s a wide range of opportunities for cooperation in upskilling and vocational training,” Nurminen said.

She also noted Finland’s strong global reputation in education, which recently topped rankings in adult math and reading skills, underscoring its exceptional standards.

From December 16-17, 2024, Ambassador Nurminen met with Cebu stakeholders from both the government and private sectors. The visit was hosted by Jose Franco Soberano, the Honorary Consul of Finland in the Visayas.

During a press conference at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, she highlighted Finland’s focus on labor mobility and educational partnerships, with plans to expand these initiatives starting in 2025.

Nurminen paid courtesy calls to Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin N. Garcia, discussing Finland’s top-notch vocational training facilities and their potential to upskill Filipino workers for global demands in healthcare, IT, and sustainable industries.

To strengthen these initiatives, Finland’s Minister of Labor is scheduled to visit the Philippines in January 2025, aiming to enhance recruitment efforts and boost government-to-government cooperation, she announced.

The reopening of the Finnish Embassy in Manila four years ago marked Finland’s recognition of Southeast Asia as a region of significant global growth.

“We see this part of the world as essential for the future. Stronger and closer bilateral relations will benefit both nations,” said Nurminen, who arrived in the Philippines three months ago and has already engaged with business delegations and government leaders.

Nurminen also reiterated Finland’s commitment to free trade, highlighting efforts to resume EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. While challenges remain, she expressed optimism about increasing trade volumes between the two nations.

Green Economy and Sustainable Development

Finland’s expertise in sustainable technologies and waste management serves as a model for the Philippines. “Only one percent of Finland’s waste goes to landfills, with the rest recycled or upcycled,” Nurminen shared.

Finnish companies like RiverRecycle are already exploring waste recycling ventures in the Philippines, while other sectors of interest include sustainable construction, mining, and green technology. Cebu, in particular, was identified as a promising hub for Finnish investments in technology and sustainable development.

The year 2025 will mark the 20th anniversary of Philippine-Finnish bilateral relations, with a focus on strengthening people-to-people connections. The growing Filipino community in Finland reflects these deepening ties.

While Finnish tourism to the Philippines remains niche, there is potential for growth, particularly among divers and adventure seekers. Nurminen also mentioned efforts to establish direct flights between the two countries, which would significantly boost tourism and business exchanges.

Finland is collaborating with Pasig City and other municipalities on green transition initiatives, with new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) on sustainability and technology expected soon. Finnish companies, such as Wärtsilä (which partners with Cebu-based Vivant) and sauna manufacturer Savo (operating a plant in the Mactan Export Zone), are expanding their footprint in the Philippines.

Nurminen expressed optimism about the future of Philippine-Finnish relations, saying “The Philippines offers immense potential. Collaboration between our countries in sustainable industries, education, and labor mobility will bring mutual benefits and growth.”

With Finland’s commitment to investing in the Philippines’ key industries, both nations are well-positioned to strengthen their bilateral ties further. “This region is where the future is happening, and we are here to listen, learn, and collaborate,” she said.

In 2022, the Philippines exported US$78.4 million to Finland, with the main products being office machine parts, processed fish, and other processed fruits and nuts. From 2017 to 2022, exports from the Philippines to Finland decreased at an annualized rate of 4.64 percent.

In 2023, the Philippines exported US$15.95 million to Finland. — (FREEMAN)