FINLAND

FINLAND The OECD predicts that Finnish unemployment will fall by about one percentage point a year over the next two years, after dropping from 18% to 10% between 1994 and 1999. Technology companies such as Nokia have been the biggest creators of jobs, but the sector now faces a dearth of skilled workers. The shortage has taken its toll: yearly growth of Finland's GDP slowed to 3.5% in 1999, and the trade surplus declined slightly. Reforms meant to enhance competitiveness in old-line industries could boost employment further. Inflation held steady in 1999, although the rate was higher than the OECD's average. Finland's dependence on oil for heating has triggered higher inflation in 2000. It currently has the second-highest rate in the euro area, after Ireland.