Foreign Minister Tsahkna: development cooperation creates opportunities for the Estonian economy

Tsahkna emphasised that the real goal of Estonian foreign policy is to create a safe world to ensure Estonia's continued freedom. This is also the broader goal of development cooperation—to contribute to the development of other countries in a way that would also benefit Estonia. 

“By exporting Estonia’s experience in e-governance, we contribute to sustainable global development while at the same time giving our companies better opportunities to participate in building digital solutions in other countries. By contributing to Ukraine’s reconstruction, we help rebuild a country devastated by war. At the same time, we create a starting position for our companies in a process that, if the war ends successfully, will become Europe’s largest strategic economic project of this century,” he said. 

Tsahkna also emphasised that, as a small country, Estonia must use its speed and flexibility to its advantage to create favourable opportunities for growing the Estonian economy. With these principles in mind, the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) has proven that Estonia can adapt to conditions on the ground and implement projects in challenging places, including war-torn Ukraine. 

“The Estonian Centre for International Development, established only a few years ago, has already demonstrated that we are able to deliver on our commitments effectively even in difficult conditions. We have built family homes and restored a hospital intensive care unit, constructed a bridge and renovated apartment buildings for internally displaced persons. This has earned us international recognition and the trust of partners, reflected in the fact that last year alone ESTDEV concluded contracts worth more than €25 million under which other countries entrusted us with implementing projects using their development funds. This money brought in from abroad provides employment for our people and generates tax revenue here, while simultaneously contributing to sustainable development internationally and strengthening Estonia’s reputation,” said Tsahkna. 

According to Tsahkna, carrying out development cooperation brings additional knowledge that can be used for the benefit of Estonia. “Having built bomb shelters in Ukraine, ESTDEV can share that knowledge here in Estonia. Development cooperation thus amplifies both Estonia’s economy and our foreign policy messages,” he added. 

The full speech can be read here.

Photo: Erik Peinar