On February 25, 2024, which coincided with the Lantern Festival on the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, the Finnish Chinese Association held a milestone inaugural event, the 'Chinese-Finnish Entrepreneur Networking Event,' at the Sun Island Restaurant. This event marked the beginning of expanding into new service areas for the association in the new year.
Mr. Chen Huixin, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Finland, Mr. Li Jiabing, Office Director, Mr. Liu Wenyu, Consul, and Mr. Jia Zhaohui, Second Secretary of the Economic and Commercial Office, graced the event with their presence, bringing congratulations and support from the Embassy for this networking event.
"Mr. Chen Huixin, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Finland, delivered a brilliant speech."
At the event, Ms. Li Yanan, President of the Finnish Chinese Association, and Ms. Rebekka Mikkola, Vice President, expressed on behalf of both Chinese and Finnish sides the importance of expanding the service areas of the association in the future and the significance of collaboration with representatives from various sectors.
On the left: Ms. Li Yanan, President of the Chinese-Finnish Friendship Association.
On the right: Ms. Rebekka Mikkola, Vice President.
At this Chinese-Finnish Entrepreneur Networking Event, esteemed guests included Mr. Jere Pyötsiä, representative of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises, Ms. Isabella Haas, Board Member of the Helsinki Entrepreneurs International Platform, Mr. Wang Xin, Head of Asian Affairs at the Helsinki Business Hub, representatives from Chinese enterprises, outstanding Chinese business representatives in Finland, as well as delegates from various Southeast Asian chambers of commerce.
Ms. Isabella Haas, Board Member of the Helsinki Entrepreneurs International Platform.
Ms. Wang Chen, Co-founder of SLUSH China Region.
Ms. Luo Na, Chief Representative of the Nordic Representative Office of ITTN (International Technology Transfer Network).
Mr. Shi Xing, China Business Director of the Finnish Winter Biathlon Limited Company / Official Timekeeper for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
Ms. Jiang Zhongqing, former President of the Federation of Finnish Students (全芬学联), CEO of Aitomore Oy, an AI-enabled software company.
This networking event, guided by the principle of 'face-to-face interaction for smoother collaboration,' aimed to effectively facilitate exchanges and cooperation between the business communities of China, Finland, and Central Asia. It signifies another successful endeavor by the Chinese-Finnish Friendship Association to establish an international platform for business exchanges and expand into new service areas. This event further embodies the association's mission of 'building platforms and providing practical services to enterprises.
During his speech, Consul Chen Huixin from the Chinese Embassy in Finland referenced the proverb "A single chopstick breaks easily, but a bundle of chopsticks is strong," illustrating the profound significance of this networking event and the power of unity.
Representatives from Chinese enterprises, outstanding Chinese entrepreneurs in Finland, and delegates from Southeast Asian countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines) expressed sincere respect and gratitude for the planning and execution of this event. They also expressed strong expectations and prospects for strengthening cultural exchanges and business cooperation in the future.
Distinguished guests attended the event, and the organizers prepared traditional Chinese festival delicacies to extend hospitality and introduce the auspicious meanings behind these foods to the attendees. Foreign representatives praised the Chinese cuisine, expressing a keen interest and a strong desire to collaborate with various parties to plan and organize an "Asian Food Festival" in Finland.
Amidst a festive atmosphere, the event was a resounding success, with guests enjoying themselves thoroughly.
As spring marks the beginning of a new year, the Finnish Chinese Association sets forth its vision for the future: to plant phoenix trees and attract phoenixes. In the new year, under the leadership of President Li Yanan, the association aims to continue building quality platforms, uniting with businesses and enterprises from China, Finland, and around the world to provide more assistance and benefits to the Chinese community and Chinese businesses in Finland.
Following Up:
The Finnish Chinese Association's first event of the spring in 2024, the "Sino-Finnish Entrepreneur Networking Event," was vibrant and lively. The enthusiasm of the guests inside the networking event permeated outside, and below are some of the feedback from the attendees. Sincere thanks for the support, trust, and affirmation of the Chinese Finnish Friendship Association. We will continue to strive and work hard, living up to expectations!
Article Authors: Xiao Junyi, Dai Jingyan
Photography: Bi Hongfei, Xiao Junyi
Responsible Editor: Chu Juan
