Finnish Business Council Beijing

Dear Members of the Finnish Business Council Beijing,

It is a great pleasure for me to greet the members of the Finnish Business Council in Beijing and the other visitors of this website!

Finnish Business Council in Beijing is one of the closest partners of our Embassy when it comes to promoting Finland and Finnish business interests in China. Together with the other members of the Team Finland China network, we are doing our utmost to ensure that Finnish companies are given the best possible circumstances for making the most of the opportunities in the Chinese markets.

So far, 2019 has been a successful year for us. Trade and investment exchanges continue to excel in both directions and remain at the forefront of our enduring bilateral ties. This year also marks the China-Finland Year of Winter Sports. The Finnish winter sports industry and Finnish businesses have enjoyed a positive momentum in China resulting from frequent visits and successful exchanges between our two countries. However, it is not only about winter sports. Our work continues at an increased pace in other sectors as well.

We have now entered the second half of 2019. As you surely have noticed, some significant changes have recently taken place in Finland. Our new government was formally appointed by President Sauli Niinistö on June 1. The cabinet of Prime Minister Antti Rinne is one of the most gender equal in Europe, with 58 per cent of the ministers being women.

On July 1, Finland took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the third time since our EU accession in 1995. Finland holds the rotating Presidency until the end of this year. The Presidency is an opportunity to highlight Finland’s special features and expertise globally. One of our priorities is to strengthen the EU’s position as a global leader in climate action. Thus, sustainable growth and the opportunities offered by bio-based circular economy will naturally play a big role.

China will host important events this year. In October, the World Winter Sports Expo in will take place in Beijing and, in November, the 2nd China International Import Expo in Shanghai. Finland will have a strong participation and visibility in both. These will be highlight events for Team Finland's work as well.

Dear FBCB members,

China remains an important trading partner for Finland. When considering the sizes of economies among European Union countries, the Finnish economy is the most reliant on China. Traditionally it was industries such as paper & pulp and machinery that set the backbone of Finnish business in China, but nowadays the spectrum includes all major Finnish strongholds such as Cleantech, Energy, Information Technology and Gaming. Whether it is a global corporation, an SME, or a startup company, China as the world’s most populous market is relevant for all. The China market is constantly evolving and, for example, during the last few years the emerging service industry has brought even more opportunities for Finnish companies.

Finnish Business Council Beijing is an association by Finnish companies for Finnish companies in the Greater Beijing Area. Our aim is to provide a platform for experience and knowledge sharing as well as networking for Finnish companies to overcome the hurdles of the China market. We organize dozens of topical events and get-togethers every year in Beijing.

Established regional focuses for the about 400 Finnish companies operating in China have been on the Eastern coast, with Beijing and Shanghai as the major Finnish business hubs. During the last few years, however, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Chongqing among others have attracted interest from Finnish companies. As a large geographical area together with a small market size in general, the key to success for a small country like Finland lies in collaboration. The FBCB together with Business Councils in Shanghai and Guangzhou, as well as FinnCham in Hong Kong, represents some two thirds of Finnish companies in China. As Team Finland, comprising of the Embassy, the Consulates, and Business Finland, we aim to create new opportunities for Finnish companies in China and support the companies already operating on the market.

Whether you are considering the Chinese market, just starting your business in China or have already operated here for years, do not hesitate to contact us!

On behalf of Finnish Business Council Beijing,