On behalf of myself and all the other Finnish guests here, I thank you for the magnificent hospitality that you have shown us this evening. My thanks also for the kind words that you have addressed to me and my country.

The dynamism characteristic of this flourishing state and its capital Monterrey made a deep impression on me and the business delegation accompanying me immediately on our arrival. Although Nuevo León is home to less than 4 per cent of Mexico’s population, it accounts for a quarter of the country’s industrial output. We were even more impressed to hear that no less than half of Mexico’s industrial exports originate in your state. In that light, it does not surprise us at all to hear that Monterrey’s other name is "the City of Business".

When I studied your resumé before coming here, I saw that you have a very strong background in the service of major industrial corporations. You have also held very senior positions in chamber of commerce organisations both nationally and in this state. Your broad experience is certainly a major asset for business and industry in Nuevo León as you now serve the state in the office of Governor.

A similar close relationship between the authorities and business is a practical reality also in Finland. Internationalising companies need the support of the authorities and a good operating environment. The right kind of industrial infrastructure, good availability of skilled labour and a high standard of education and training are essential if national and international competitiveness is to be increased.

Very beneficial cooperation between universities and industry has been created in many localities in Finland. Applied research has been harnessed directly to serve the needs of companies. This is a linkage that brings mutual benefits. I know that also Monterrey has several universities and other third-level institutions that work closely with leading industries. The Monterrey Tech regularly exchanges students with Finnish universities.

Finland’s economic growth is largely based on foreign trade and especially exports. More than half of our industrial output is destined for international markets. We have been trying to boost our competitiveness by specialising and spending heavily on research and development. Advanced technology products now account for 16% of our exports.

The fastest-growing sector in Finland is electronics and telecommunications. It now accounts for a quarter of our exports and has surpassed forest products, which was the dominant sector for many decades. The key words in information  and communication technology in the new millennium will be wirelessness and mobility. In this respect, Finland is the world leader: more than half of the population have cellular phones. Indeed, our country is a kind of national laboratory for the development of this technology.

Monterrey is working hard to become one of Mexico’s leading electronics and information technology centre. Your state’s business-friendly policy was certainly a contributory factor in the decision by Elcoteq, a rapidly-growing Finnish electronics manufacturer, to locate here. Tomorrow I shall have the pleasure of inaugurating the company’s factory, which will serve the NAFTA market.

A considerable delegation of Finnish industrial leaders and other representatives of our business sector are accompanying me on this visit. Tomorrow we shall be having a breakfast meeting with prominent local industrialists and businesspeople. When representatives of the state authorities and the private sector get together in this way, the idea is to present Finland as a modern country with advanced technology, a place that is more than willing to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation with Nuevo León’s economic sector.

Finland’s membership of the European Union since 1995 has strengthened our links and cooperation with countries outside our continent. When we assume the Presidency for the second semester of this year, the Finnish Government will make a strong effort to see that the ongoing negotiations for a free-trade agreement between the EU and Mexico are quickly brought to a successful conclusion. The agreement would certainly mean more trade and investment between Finland and Nuevo León.

Let me now propose a toast to the wellbeing of the people of Nuevo León and your good health.