Trade and Innovate Mission Estonia and Finland

3-6 June 2024

Are you a representative of a Dutch company or knowledge institution and interested to explore the opportunities in Estonia and Finland? Then you are welcome to participate in this trade mission from East Netherlands to Estonia and Finland from 3 to 6 June 2024, organized by Province Overijssel and Regional Development Agency Oost NL. The mission is the perfect opportunity to broaden your network in the regions and deepen your knowledge of the Baltics and Nordics market. In addition, you can explore new business opportunities and enhance existing ones.

Province Overijssel invites companies, start-ups, knowledge institutions to explore the economic prospects and innovative opportunities in Estonia and Finland during this unique trade and innovate mission to North Europe headed by Deputy Minister of Province Overijssel Mr. Erwin Hoogland. This mission is open for the participants who wants to make a connection with business in different economic sectors, high schools and universities, exchange knowledge and find new partners in Baltics and Nordics regions.

Participation in the multisectoral Trade and Innovate Mission to Tallinn (Estonia) and Helsinki (Finland)

During 4 days you’ll have an opportunity to follow official mission program or participate in business program to experience individual matchmaking or networking (see preliminary program attached).

Terms of participation

The participation costs associated with the mission are travel costs (flight Amsterdam – Tallinn and Helsinki – Amsterdam), accommodation (hotels in Tallinn and Helsinki) and local taxi trips related to individual matchmaking meetings or company visits.

After the registration deadline, you will receive proposals for your travel and accommodation as soon as possible. Other costs related to this mission are fully covered by organizers.

Registration is possible until 7^thof May 2024.

Do you have any questions about this mission? For additional questions and information please don’t hesitate to contact Katja Bassova – Project Manager Trade international at Oost NL, katja.bassova@oostnl.nl or mobile: +31 06 39 07 40 98.

Estonia

You are welcome to explore the business opportunities in Estonia in the following sectors and subsectors: ICT, hydrogen, solar energy and offshore wind energy, port infrastructure development.

Estonia boasts an open and stable economy, with the IT sector playing a central role. Key export categories include machinery and equipment, mineral products, agricultural products, and food preparations. In 2022, Dutch exports to Estonia amounted to €794 million. Estonia presents many business opportunities in energy transition (incl. green hydrogen production, electric mobility and charging infrastructure, etc.), infrastructure development, research and innovation, ICT and strategic supply chains.

ICT sector

Estonia excels in digitalisation, including in public services such as digital citizenship. With this digital identity, you can easily and quickly set up a business online in Estonia. These and other progressive developments within Estonia in the field of ICT create opportunities for Dutch companies that are active in: digital security (cyber security), e-health, smart cities, smart mobility, software development.

Hydrogen sector

In recent years, the Baltic hydrogen sector has emerged as a promising industry. Also for Dutch entrepreneurs, for example in the production of hydrogen and its storage. In the market report Hydrogen in the Baltics States you can read more about the opportunities for Dutch entrepreneurs in Estonia. With information about the current Baltic hydrogen market, where your opportunities lie and where you can find local partners.

Offshore wind energy

In Estonia, there are plenty of opportunities in the wind energy sector. In its National Electricity and Climate Plan (2023), the Estonian government mentioned the development of (offshore) wind farms as one of its most important activities. Read more about your opportunities in this sector in the market report Offshore wind in the Baltics.

Port infrastructure development

Strategic supply chains and infrastructure development are critical components of Estonia’s economic growth and competitiveness. Port infrastructure development in Estonia focuses on modernizing and expanding port facilities to accommodate growing trade volumes, improve efficiency, and enhance connectivity with international markets. Here are some key aspects of port infrastructure development in Estonia:

• Expansion and Modernization: Estonia’s major ports, including the Port of Tallinn, Muuga Harbor, and Paldiski South Harbor, have undergone significant expansion and modernization efforts in recent years.
• Intermodal Connectivity: Port infrastructure development in Estonia emphasizes improving intermodal connectivity to facilitate seamless transportation of goods between ports, railroads, and highways.
• Container Terminal Development: Estonia has invested in the development of container terminals to handle the increasing containerized cargo traffic. Modern container terminals equipped with state-of-the-art handling equipment and technology enable efficient loading and unloading of containers, improving turnaround times and reducing logistics costs for shippers.
• Cold Storage and Logistics Facilities: Estonia’s port infrastructure development includes the construction of cold storage and logistics facilities to support the handling and storage of perishable goods, such as food products and pharmaceuticals.
• Environmental Sustainability: Port infrastructure development in Estonia incorporates environmental sustainability measures to minimize the impact of port operations on the environment.
• Smart Port Initiatives: Estonia’s port infrastructure development embraces smart port initiatives to improve operational efficiency, safety, and security. These initiatives leverage digital technologies, data analytics, and automation to optimize port operations, enhance vessel traffic management, and provide real-time monitoring of port activities.

Overall, port infrastructure development in Estonia aims to strengthen the country’s maritime logistics capabilities, attract investment, and position its ports as efficient and competitive gateways to the Baltic Sea region and beyond. Continued investments in port infrastructure will be essential for supporting Estonia’s economic growth and trade competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Finland

The Netherlands and Finland have a long trading history. Today, billions of euros worth of goods are traded between countries. After an increase in 2022, exports to Finland fell to €5.8 billion in 2023. The Finnish market may not be the largest or the closest, but there are plenty of business opportunities. Finland is a prosperous and innovative country with an open economy. More information here Finland Market study 2022

Finland, characterized by a high level of industrialization, maintains an open attitude towards trade and operates within a free market framework. With a gross domestic product (GDP) exceeding 269 billion euros in 2022, Finland’s per capita GDP is comparable to that of Germany, Austria, and Sweden. Key export sectors include forestry products, chemicals, metals and metal products, machinery and equipment, and electronic products. The Netherlands and Finland share a strong trade relationship, with Dutch exports to Finland amounting to €6.2 billion in 2023 Finland offers numerous business opportunities across various sectors due to its strong economy, highly educated workforce, technological expertise, and favourable business environment.

Finland presents many business opportunities in technology and innovations, clean energy and sustainability, forest industry, health care and life science, education and maritime industry.

Here are some key areas with promising business opportunities in Finland:

• Technology and Innovation: Finland is known for its vibrant technology sector and innovation-driven economy. Opportunities exist in areas such as software development, ICT services, digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cybersecurity. More information in Research project on Finnish digitalization policy
• Clean Energy and Sustainability: Finland is committed to transitioning to a low-carbon economy and investing in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, bioenergy, and hydropower. Business opportunities exist in renewable energy projects, energy efficiency solutions, waste management, circular economy initiatives, and sustainable urban development.
• Forest Industry: Finland has a strong forest industry, with abundant forest resources and expertise in wood processing, pulp, paper, and timber production. Finland is also a leading producer of pulp and paper products, offering opportunities for investment and collaboration in the industry.
• Healthcare and Life Sciences: Finland has a world-class healthcare system and a reputation for excellence in medical research, biotechnology, and life sciences. Opportunities exist in healthcare innovation, digital health solutions, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, telemedicine, and personalized medicine.
• Education and EdTech: Finland is known for its high-quality education system and expertise in education technology (EdTech). Opportunities exist in the development of educational software, digital learning platforms, online courses, teacher training programs, and educational content.
• Maritime Industries: Finland has expertise in technology and maritime industries, given its geographical location and extensive coastline. Opportunities exist in shipping, marine logistics, offshore energy, shipbuilding, marine technology, and icebreaker services.

Overall, Finland offers a favourable business environment, access to talent and expertise, and opportunities for innovation and collaboration across various sectors. Businesses looking to expand or invest in Finland can leverage the country’s strengths and explore emerging opportunities in key growth areas.

Background of the  mission

Trade relations between Estonia, Finland, and the Netherlands are characterized by strong economic ties and cooperation within the European Union (EU) framework. As members of the EU, Estonia, Finland, and the Netherlands benefit from the single market and customs union, which facilitates trade and investment between them. They also work together within the framework of the EU to promote economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness. Here are some key aspects of the trade relations between these countries:

• Bilateral Trade Volume: Estonia, Finland, and the Netherlands have significant trade volumes with each other. While Estonia’s trade with Finland and the Netherlands individually may not be as substantial as its trade with larger EU countries, the cumulative trade among these three nations contributes significantly to their economies.
• Geographical Proximity: Estonia’s geographical proximity to Finland makes it a key trading partner for both Finland and the Netherlands. Finland serves as an important transit point for goods traveling between Estonia and other Nordic countries, while the Netherlands serves as a gateway to European markets for Estonian exports.
• Transportation and Logistics: Finland and the Netherlands are important partners for Estonia in terms of transportation and logistics. Finnish and Dutch companies provide shipping, freight forwarding, and logistics services, facilitating trade flows between Estonia and other European markets. Estonia and Finland benefit from the North Sea-Baltic Corridor, which enhances connections between (Northern) European countries, thus creating new trade opportunities. This corridor links the Baltic Sea region with the North Sea region, passing through Belgium, the Netherlands, Northern Germany, Poland, and the Baltic States. In 2021, the corridor was extended to include Finland, the northern part of Sweden, and a portion of Poland up to the Ukrainian border. With this extension, the North Sea-Baltic Corridor now spans 8,828 km of railways, 6,934 km of roads, and 2,839 km of inland waterways. As part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), the corridor presents opportunities for (Eastern) Dutch entrepreneurs to better connect with the Finnish and Estonian markets. Logistics Overijssel is a collaborative partnership and network organization for vital logistics in the province of Overijssel. Logistics Overijssels serves as the link between entrepreneurs, government bodies and knowledge institutions. One of the key goals of Logistics Overijssel is to strengthen the lobby for improvements on the North Sea Baltic Corridor.  See for more information www.logisticsoverijssel.nl.
• Technology and Innovation: Estonia, Finland, and the Netherlands are all known for their vibrant technology sectors and innovation ecosystems. There are opportunities for collaboration and partnerships between companies and research institutions in areas such as IT, digital services, e-commerce, and cybersecurity.
• Business Networks and Partnerships: Various business organizations, chambers of commerce, and trade promotion agencies in Estonia, Finland, and the Netherlands actively promote trade and investment opportunities between these countries. These networks facilitate business matchmaking, market entry support, and knowledge sharing for companies interested in bilateral trade.

Trade and Innovate Mission to Estonia and Finland

3 till 6 of June 2024
Amsterdam – Tallinn – Helsinki – Amsterdam

Draft program

03 June 2024
09:55	Flight Amsterdam – Tallinn (2h 20min)
13:15	Arrival at Tallinn Ulemiste International Airport
14:00	Transfer by bus to Von Stackelberg Hotel Tallinn
14:30 – 15:30	Check-in and quick lunch served in hotel
16:00 – 18:00	Kick-off meeting “Doing business in Estonia: opportunities and challenges” location meeting room at Hotel Von Stackelberg. The key speakers are: Mrs. Özlem Canel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Estonia Mrs. Margot Roose, Business Development Baltics & Finland Representative of Enterprise Estonia
19:00	Welcome dinner in the old town of Tallinn (location is to be confirmed)
04 June 2024
07:00	Breakfast and check out from hotel
08:00	Departure from hotel (there are two options of the working program for the participants)
08:30 – 12:45 Program option 1 08:30 – 10:30 Port of Tallinn is looking for international partners and we organize an introduction meeting with the port authority and stakeholders on business opportunities for ports development in Estonia https://www.ts.ee/en/ 11:00 – 12:30 Visit to Ülemiste City – part of the biggest business campus network in the Northern and Baltic States https://www.ulemistecity.ee/en/
08:30 – 12:30 Program option 2 Matchmaking meetings on site (organized by local partners or by participating company itself) for business representatives and/or knowledge institutions
Program for all mission participants starts at 12.30 on one location
12:30 – 13:30	Network lunch and registration of Estonian participants for the business event
13:30 – 16:00	Business Event “Exploring Business Opportunities in the Netherlands and Estonia” Introduction of Duch delegation and presentations of invited speakersMatchmaking and networking
16:00	Departure by bus to ferry boat terminal Tallinn
17:00	Departure by Viking Line ship to Helsinki
17:30 – 19:15	On the way to Helsinki group’s dinner in the restaurant on the ship, followed by  presentation about culture- and business opportunities in Finland prepared by Mr. Markus Pitkänen from InnoConnections, our partner in Finland
19:30	Arrival in Helsinki
19:45 – 20:00	Transfer by bus to hotel, free evening
5 June 2024
08:00	Departure from hotel (there are two options of the working program for the participants)
08:45 – 11:30 Program option 1 09:00 – 11:30 Visit to Port of Helsinki: site visit and introduction meeting with port authority https://www.portofhelsinki.fi/en/  to discuss future cooperation and international development in the framework of the North Sea-Baltic Corridor activities.
11.45 – 14.00	Lunch and meeting with representatives of “Helen” a pioneer of the energy industry and one of the most reliable energy companies in the world https://www.helen.fi/
14.00	Departure to Business Event location
08:30 – 14:30 Program option 2 Site visit (organized by local partners or by participating company itself) for business representatives and/or knowledge institutions
Program for all mission participants starts at 15.00 on one location
14:30 – 15:00	Welcome coffee and registration of Finnish participants for the event
15:00 – 17:00	Business Event “Exploring Business Opportunities in the Netherlands and Finland”, location tbc Introduction of Duch delegation and presentations of NL Embassy and /or Finnish – Dutch Chamber of CommerceB2Match, networking
17:00	Departure by bus back to hotel
18:45	Meeting at the lobby, walk to the restaurant
19:00	Closing dinner (location tbc)
6 June 2024
07:00 – 08:00	Breakfast at the hotel, check out
08:00	Departure to site visit (location to be confirmed)
09:00 – 11:00	Site visit
11:15	Departure to Helsinki Vantaa International Airport
12:15	Arrival Helsinki Vantaa International Airport, lunch at  the airport
13:55	Flight Helsinki – Amsterdam (2h 25 min)
15:20	Arrival in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

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