FinnCham co-operation with regional Chambers of Commerce and other organizations in Finland

Together the 19 regional Finnish Chambers of Commerce, the 17 Bilateral Business Associations, and the 37 accredited FinnChams around the world form a unique network that helps companies grow by expanding to new markets. The network cooperates closely with other Team Finland organisations and actors.

Networks are essential for local and global trade. Understanding business etiquettes and the culture of the market is critical to success. A company may have the right product or service at the right price, but lack of a local partner or misunderstanding of the cultural differences within different countries may risk the business efforts or hinder enlargement plans.

Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations form a unique network of business representatives locally, nationally, and globally to help companies benefit from the services and connections that the network offers. Chambers of Commerce in Finland help companies find reliable business partners, excellent business locations, platforms for networking and channels of information on the local business culture and opportunities abroad.

19 regional Chambers of Commerce in Finland

In Finland there are 19 regional Chambers of Commerce which together have more than 20,000 companies, municipalities and other business-related actors as members. These Chambers of Commerce help companies of all sizes and sectors perform better by organising different kinds of events on current trade topics, up-to-date seminars and training sessions and networking events.  The Chamber of Commerce network geographically covers the whole of Finland. The Finland Chamber of Commerce in Helsinki serves as the umbrella organization for the 19 regional Chambers of Commerce.

Statements and opinions of the Chamber of Commerce network is heard in Finland by policymakers, parliamentarians and other key actors in the society. The views of Chambers of Commerce are also sought after and appreciated by them. Chambers of Commerce cooperate with decision-makers to create a better business environment for everyone. The Chamber of Commerce network provides critical business advice, services and skills development.

International cooperation plays an active role in the Chambers’ activities. For example, the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce is one of the partner organisations in the Enterprise Europe Network. The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) provides free-of-charge internationalization services to SMEs and has experts in over 60 countries all over the world. The Annual Arctic Business Forum organised by the Lapland Chamber of Commerce introduces the latest business developments and prospects in the arctic and plays as an arena and meeting point to discuss the opportunities and obstacles of business.

17 Business Associations in Finland

Finland Chamber of Commerce currently administers the activities of 17 bilateral Business Associations, as well as the Africa network. The purpose of these in Finland is to enhance economical, commercial and cultural ties between Finland and the other country or area.  Business Associations arrange expert meetings and events and offer up to date trade information to members. These events and services help encourage the growth of trade and investment between the two countries or areas and provide a useful opportunity for networking between the members and their invited guests.

37 FinnChams around the world

The FinnCham network is an extensive and reliable trade promotion platform including 37 accredited Finnish Chambers of Commerce around the world. The purpose of the FinnCham network is to support Finnish enterprises expand their business globally, and to provide a local business network after settling into the target country.

The FinnCham network develops and promotes business, economic, cultural and social relations between Finland and the local country and serves as a part of the global Team Finland network.

Finland Chamber of Commerce coordinates the FinnCham network.

Wide range of cooperation

The Chambers of Commerce in Finland are a part of Team Finland, including organizations such as counties, ministries and Finnish missions abroad, to help companies connect and grow.

Many seminars and events are organized in cooperation between Finnish Chambers of Commerce, Bilateral Business Associations, FinnCham network members, Ministries, Business Finland and other Team Finland actors. Seminars on financing are usually arranged with Finnvera, banks and other relevant experts. These partners also invite business delegations to visit Finland.

The Chamber of Commerce network works for the benefit of all companies in Finland and abroad.

Read more about the activities
www.chamber.fi
www.kauppayhdistys.fi
www.finncham.fi

Written by Ms. Anne Hatanpää
Liaison Manager,
International Affairs
Finland Chamber of Commerce
anne.hatanpaa ( a ) chamber.fi