Review: Development, Trade and Investment Effects of Finland's Development Policy and Cooperation

This Review assessed how Finland’s development policy and cooperation have promoted trade and investment during 2019–2025 and the extent to which this support has had development effects. The Review finds that the combined development–trade–investment approach still lacks a clear operating model, division of responsibilities and results framework. Trade-related results have been achieved through strengthened enabling environments, standards and public-sector capacities, while investment-related results have been generated largely through Finnfund and Finnpartnership. However, evidence on additional investments remains limited and many initiatives do not progress to sustained commercial activity. Development effects are strongest where long-term cooperation has strengthened institutions, productive capacity and responsible value chains. The Review recommends a more focused approach, stronger support for project preparation and partner engagement, improved coordination across instruments, and stronger results management, risk management and evidence on development effects.