Selected Quotes from Team Finland China Day 7.5.

This post compiles some of my notes from the annual ”China Day” –seminar arranged in the glorious Finlandia Hall in Helsinki. China Day is gathered together by Team Finland,  a powerful network promoting “Finland and its interests abroad: Finland’s external economic relations, the internationalization of Finnish businesses, the country’s brand, and inward investments”. Their goal is to gradually make Team Finland more and more influential with big governmental support.

The seminar was about sharing experiences on how to succeed in doing business in China. Definitely there is great potential in the Chinese market, but other countries are interested as well. Many of the speakers were certain that Finland has a strong brand and reputation in China. Finland is traditionally strong in bio energy, in clean processes and in energy efficiency. When the economic situation allows investors to consider more expensive (IN SHORT TERM) clean tech technologies again, Finland needs to be ready to provide those high-end, environmental-friendly solutions. For Finland to be ready a presence is needed in China to forecast these changes and catch the deal!

I will now list some of the highlight-quotes of the day.

“One client in China can be larger than the Finnish small or medium enterprise’s current businesses combined”. -Eero Pekkola, CEO, Oilon Group

This describes the scale difference quite well. The population of China is over 250 times larger than Finland’s.

“Commodity prices higher than ever –>Need for material efficiency –>Need for Clean Tech”.-Hans Sohlström, President and CEO, Rettig Group

When resources are expensive, efficiency is needed. This is simple, but more and more current!

“In Chinese the word “crisis” is combined from the signs of “danger” and “opportunity”. -Hans Sohlström, President and CEO, Rettig Group

There are always new opportunities when economy or energy crises occur.

“Team Finland has four key areas of focus: bio energy, material and energy efficiency, waste water treatment and air quality”. -Mari Pantsar-Kallio,  Ministry for Employment and the Economy

“In China windows need to be kept open during winter or you will be steamed.” –Dr. Xiaolin Li, Co-founder and managing director, SONGLIN Group

This tells quite well how the air conditioning is optimized. Also the buildings each have their own units rather than an integrated system for heating and cooling.

“According to a report by McKinsey&Company there’s an estimated 2 trillion USD potential in the Chinese clean tech market. Over one quarter of that is in energy efficiency.” -Hans Sohlström

Well, hearing the previous comment by Dr. Xiaolin Li this is totally understandable.

Please add questions if you want to know more!

-Pentti