Finnish companies sign millions of euros worth of agreements during 2nd China International Import Expo
There was a steady flow of visitors to the Finland Pavilion at the 2nd China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
Finnish companies signed millions of euros worth of agreements during the second China International Import Expo in Shanghai on 5-10 November. The Finland Pavilion at the Expo exhibited Finnish product and services from several industries with the theme of "Winter Starts from Finland".
In 2019, Finland and China celebrate the China-Finland Year of Winter Sports. In order to fully present Finland's unique winter knowhow to Chinese purchasers, a Finnish company delegation, led by Vice Minister Jari Gustafsson of Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, participated at the China International Import Expo for the second time.
This year, 15 companies presented at the Finland Pavilion, covering a number of Finnish key industries such as cleantech, high tech, bioeconomy, health, science and technology, food, winter sports and travel.
"Finnish companies have significant knowhow which is interesting for the Chinese market. China is Finland's largest trading partner in Asia and there is more room for growth. An event such as the CIIE creates an excellent environment for Finnish companies to meet with Chinese partners and sign agreements. At the same time we have gained visibility for Finland and its knowhow in Chinese media," says Director General of Business Finland Nina Kopola.
Finnish companies that signed commercial agreements with Chinese purchasers included Lappset, UPM, Valmet, Wärtsilä, Honkajoki, Kone and Genano among others. The total value of these agreements are in the tens of millions of euros.
"The China International Import Expo displays the opening up of China's import market to international goods and service. The Expo plays an important role in strengthening relations between China and Finland, both in terms of trade and investments. Our relations have been showcased this year with the China-Finland Year of Winter Sports launched by the Presidents of China and Finland in January and will be showcased again next year with the 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the countries," Consul General Pasi Hellman from the Consulate General of Finland in Shanghai.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, the China International Import Expo is the China's first national-level exposition with import as its theme, and the second Expo was held this year. More than 500,000 Chinese and international professional sellers and purchasers in total participated in this year's Expo. A total of 64 billion euros worth of agreements were signed.
The Finnish companies at the Finland Pavilion included Aavi Technologies, Beneq, Biolan, Genano, Genelec, Metsä, Nokia Shanghai Bell, Nokian Tyres and Tikkurila. Food and drink companies included HKScan, MTI Retail, Valio, Atria, Bonne and Roberts Berries.
