Finland opens Honorary Consulate in Gujarat

Kimmo Lahdevirta, Ambassador of Finland to India
| Photo Credit:
RAGU R

Unveiling Finland’s new Honorary Consulate in Gujarat, Kimmo Lahdevirta, the Ambassador of Finland to India on Monday said the State with its “world-class infrastructure, business-friendly environment and innovation-oriented institutions,” offers an ideal environment for collaborations with Finnish companies to flourish.

“In Gujarat, our cooperation has focused on energy, but today, Finnish companies are engaged across multiple sectors, including clean energy, circular economy, skilling, smart infrastructure and sustainable design. The decision to open our Honorary Consulate here is a reflection of the deepening Finnish–Indian partnership and growing business interest. Finnish companies are contributing to the State’s growth and development goals through world-class technologies, sustainable solutions and investments,” stated Lahdevirta who was in Ahmedabad for the inauguration of the consulate.

“I could not be happier to announce that the consulate will be led by Kulin Lalbhai, a prominent business leader known for driving sustainable business solutions across sectors. Lalbhai’s personal leadership as well as his family business Arvind Group’s operations and values reflect our shared commitment to long-term and innovation-driven growth in Gujarat and beyond. I am certain that Lalbhai will be an excellent flag bearer for Finnish–Gujarati ties to flourish and grow,” the official said in a statement.

Lahdevirta said the opening of this consulate also reflects the long-standing cultural connections between Finland and Gujarat. “One example is the work of Finnish designer Helena Perheentupa at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, which helped lay the foundation for collaboration in textile design between our societies. Finland has a shared interest with Gujarat even in sustainable urban design,” he added. Earlier today the Ambassador of Finland presented Lalbhai with a Moomin plush toy – a symbol of Finland’s culture and values.

Published on June 9, 2025