It is now well understood that commerce with the poor is more viable and profitable, provided there is ability to do business with them. The provision of uncomplicated, small, affordable products can help bring low-income families into the formal financial sector.
The first time was in spring 1953, when Robert Schuman, the father of the European Coal and Steel Community and former French prime minister, was received here for a dinner. The host was the colourful and controversial cabinet minister, Väinö Leskinen. Schuman had been invited to Finland by the Foreign Trade Association as a guest speaker.