China expressed hope that the Finnish government would play an active role in promoting the European Union to exercise prudence in using trade and economic restrictive tools, China's top commerce official said on Monday during a meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.?

Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said that Finland should work with China to oppose protectionism, and foster a fair, open, non-discriminatory, and predictable policy environment for China-Finland and China-Europe business cooperation.

Wang made the remarks during the closing session of the sixth meeting of the China-Finland Committee for Innovative Business Cooperation in Beijing.

Finnish and Chinese enterprises should maintain confidence, seize opportunities, and further expand cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and innovation, Wang said.

Orpo stressed that Finland supports free trade and fair competition and looks forward to greater mutual trust and reduced trade barriers between Europe and China.

Both countries share strong cooperation willingness in fields such as green and low-carbon development, circular economy, and industrial digitalization, Orpo said, adding that Finland welcomed Chinese enterprises to invest in Finland and pledged to create a favorable business environment for them.

wangkeju@chinadaily.com.cn