Haavisto said that he had not heard about the claims, which were broadcast on Swedish TV4’s current affairs programme Kalla Fakta last week. The programme alleged that the Finnish forest products company Stora Enso’s suppliers in Pakistan were using child labour.
"The question of corporate responsibility didn’t always get enough attention," said Haavisto in an Yle interview.
As the minister responsible for the state ownership company Solidium, which owns a quarter of Stora Enso’s voting stock, Haavisto has requested an explanation from Stora Enso’s board. He wants to know how the firm will correct the situation.
"Use of child labour is not permissible in any situation," said Haavisto. "It cannot be justified."
Stora Enso released a statement to shareholders admitting failures in communication. The company claims it is working to eradicate child labour in its Pakistani supply chain.