Finland Pavilion highlights clean technology, winter sports

Santa Claus made a surprise appearance on Friday at the Finnish pavilion of the China International Import Expo, which already features many of the country's diverse products and services.

The pavilion showcases Finland's clean energy, food, winter lifestyle and tourism, while Finnish companies are looking to increase market share and cooperation with Chinese counterparts.

“Winter starts in Finland,” said Nina Kopola, director general of Business Finland. “Winter lifestyle and skills are in the DNA of Finland.”

She cited green/clean technology and winter sports as among the areas in demand in China.

China is Finland’s fourth-largest trade partner in the world and the largest in Asia.

As the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics approaches, the winter sports market is expected to develop greatly in China, which signals a potential growth area for Finland.

When the Chinese and Finnish presidents met in 2017, it was designated that 2019 would be the China-Finland Year of Winter Sports. Many meetings, seminars and cultural events have been held in both countries over the year.

“It’s a very broad cooperation,” said Kopola. “It’s not only about selling things to China, but also coaching, teaching and bringing technology here. The theme year will end in December, but the cooperation will carry on until the Olympics start. Then, of course, the knowledge and technology will stay here in China.”