Exclusive Interview with Ari Harmaala,CEO of the China Office of Finnish Industries:
From the Baltic Sea to the Pearl River Delta–Upgrading China-Finland Cooperation with the Canton Fair as a Strategic Gateway
Editor’s Note:
From Helsinki to Beijing,and from winter sports equipment to lithium battery technology,China-Finland cooperation has long evolved beyond conventional trade into a new era of joint industrial development and capital synergy.On June12,2025,the Editor-in-Chief of Nordic Chinese Times sat down with Mr.Ari Harmaala,CEO of the China Office of Finnish Industries,to discuss the experience,opportunities,and challenges Finnish companies face in China and on how the138th Canton Fair could become a vital new channel for Finnish technology to expand into the world’s second-largest economy.A staunch supporter of Nordic-Chinese collaboration,Ari expressed his firm commitment to promoting meaningful engagement and mutual benefit between both regions.
I.From the Baltic to the Pearl River–Deepening Strategic Ties Between China and Finland
Q:Mr.Ari,how do you view the current landscape of China-Finland economic relations?What role does your office play in this evolving partnership?
Ari:
The China-Finland relationship is built on strategic trust and long-term cooperation.Across sectors such as forestry,telecommunications,clean energy,and digital innovation,we have maintained strong,sustainable partnerships.
The China Office of Finnish Industries was founded with the mission to support our25shareholders in implementing their strategies by providing timely and in-depth information on China’s geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape,as well as on changes in the business environment.We act not only as facilitators but as strategic translators and enablers, bridging language,regulatory,and cultural differences so companies can genuinely operate—not just observe—the Chinese market.
II.25Corporate Partners Co-Build a Competitive“Finland in China”Innovation Ecosystem
Q:Your office currently works with approximately25partner companies.Could you highlight some of the recent milestones?
Ari:
Certainly.We are a limited liability company owned by25prominent Finnish companies with a common interest in China.Our shareholder network spans sectors such as cleantech and energy solutions,renewable biomaterials,elevators and escalators,advanced digital solutions,luxury products,safe and healthy food and dairy products and services-related sectors.Our shareholders are among the biggest companies in their fields in Finland.
Several shareholders have established a strong presence in China through extensive manufacturing operations or long-term partnerships with leading local suppliers and buyers.
On a larger scale,the€800million joint venture between Beijing Easpring and Finnish Minerals Group to produce lithium battery cathode materials represents a flagship model of high-tech,high-capital China-Finland collaboration.
These successes are rooted in mutual trust,aligned long-term vision,and sustained engagement.
III.Finnish Companies’Ambition in China–Vision vs.Operational Reality
Q:What is the primary aspiration Finnish companies hold for the Chinese market?And what are the key challenges they face?
Ari:
The overarching goal is to achieve long-term integration and develop a deep understanding of China’s regulatory,business,and cultural environment.Companies seek a stable policy framework,reliable IP protection,transparent and fair execution.
"While fair competition and transparent business practices are the ideal,companies operating in China often face real-world challenges—such as navigating regional policy differences,adapting to evolving regulations,and managing cross-cultural expectations.In many cases,the concern isn't complexity itself,but the risk of misinterpreting the market landscape.
That’s where we come in.We provide consistent policy briefings,organize closed-door sessions for sharing geopolitical analysis,and even facilitate“reverse roadshows,”where Chinese stakeholders share their thoughts and expectations directly with Finnish executives.This improves understanding and accelerates business opportunities on both sides.
IV.The Rise of Chinese Investment in Finland–What’s Next?
Q:Chinese investments in Finland have been rising.How do you interpret this trend?What new areas offer growth potential?
Ari:
Chinese investment in Finland reflects both capital flow and strategic intent.Tencent’s landmark investment in Supercell remains a cultural milestone,while the Easpring-Finnish Minerals Group joint venture opens new frontiers in green energy materials.
Looking ahead,I see strong potential in three key sectors:
1.Green transition and sustainable growth:Deepening joint efforts in low-carbon development,including in energy transition,carbon neutrality,circular economy,and collaboration in sectors like hydrogen technologies,wind power,and energy storage technologies.
2.Arctic&Polar Technologies:Finland’s expertise in winter mobility,cold-climate construction,and polar logistics is globally unique.
3.Science,technology and industry innovation:Co-innovation with Chinese partners in industry digitalization,robotics,AI,and smart manufacturing.
If Finland’s R&D strengths combine with China’s industrial scale and speed,the two countries can become a powerful alliance in global technological transformation.
V.In an Age of Trade Uncertainty,the Canton Fair Offers Strategic Stability
Q:How does the Canton Fair support Finnish companies in entering or expanding in the Chinese market?What is your broader strategic outlook?
Ari:
I think that,in a global context marked by increasing tariffs and protectionist headwinds,the Canton Fair stands out as a rare constant.It remains the world’s largest and most reliable trade platform—a gateway to understanding China’s business logic,networks,and consumer trends.
I encourage Finnish companies to adopt a mindset of*co-creation and strategic engagement*.This means collaborating with Chinese buyers not just to sell,but to co-develop,adapt solutions,and identify long-term strategic partners.
VI.The Canton Fair Is a Dialogue Platform–Not Just a Trade Show
Q:What are your expectations for the upcoming Finland-themed Promotion at the138th Canton Fair?
Ari:
I view this event as more than a product showcase.It’s a platform for idea exchange,strategic alignment,and long-term relationship building.
This year marks the75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Finland and China.Over the decades,Finnish businesses have built strong,enduring partnerships with their Chinese counterparts,rooted in mutual respect,innovation,and shared growth.
Future China–Finland collaboration is set to move well beyond traditional import-export dynamics.It will increasingly focus on co-design,co-investment,and co-innovation—marking a shift toward a truly bilateral and strategic partnership.While platforms like the Canton Fair can serve as useful starting points for engagement,the real momentum will come from long-term joint ventures,shared R&D,and innovation-driven ecosystems.
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Editor’s Final Thought:
Finland is more than snow-covered landscapes.It is a bridge between world-class innovation and a sustainable future.Today,that bridge is extending from the Baltic Sea to the Pearl River Delta—ushering in a new era of co-creation,strategic cooperation,and shared prosperity.
芬兰工业协会中国办公室首席执行官阿里·哈马拉拉专访：
从波罗的海到珠江三角洲——以广交会为战略枢纽，升级中芬合作新格局
编者按：
从赫尔辛基到北京，从冬季运动装备到锂电池技术，中芬合作早已超越传统贸易，迈入产业协同与资本融合的新纪元。2025年6月12日，《北欧时报》总编辑专访了芬兰工业协会中国办公室首席执行官阿里·哈马拉拉先生，探讨芬兰企业在华的经验、机遇与挑战，以及第138届广交会如何成为芬兰技术通往世界第二大经济体的关键通道。作为中北欧合作的坚定推动者，阿里表达了他对推动两地深入交流、实现互利共赢的长期承诺。
一、从波罗的海到珠江口——深化中芬战略合作关系
问：阿里先生，您如何看待当前中芬经贸关系的整体格局？贵办公室在其中扮演着怎样的角色？
阿里：
中芬关系建立在战略互信与长期合作的基础上。在林业、电信、清洁能源、数字创新等领域，我们一直保持着稳固而可持续的合作关系。
芬兰工业协会中国办公室的宗旨，是为我们的25家股东企业提供关于中国地缘政治、地缘经济和商业环境变化的深度情报与及时分析，协助它们在华战略落地。我们不仅是信息的传递者，更是“战略翻译者与赋能者”，致力于跨越语言、法规与文化壁垒，让企业在中国市场真正实现“参与”，而不仅是“观察”。
二、25家企业共建“中国的芬兰”创新生态圈
问：贵办公室目前与大约25家合作企业协作，能否介绍一些最新的重要进展？
阿里：
当然可以。我们是一家由25家在中国市场有共同利益的芬兰领军企业共同出资设立的有限责任公司。这些股东企业涉及清洁技术、能源解决方案、可再生生物材料、电梯与扶梯、先进数字解决方案、高端消费品、安全健康食品和服务等多个行业，都是芬兰本国各自领域的龙头企业。
其中，很多股东企业已在中国建立了完善的生产体系，或与当地重要的供应商与采购商建立了深度合作关系。
更大规模的合作案例是：北京当升科技与芬兰矿业集团合资建设的8亿欧元锂电池正极材料项目，成为高科技、高资本中芬合作的旗舰项目。这类成功合作的基础，是建立在长期信任、愿景一致和持续互动之上的。
三、芬兰企业拓展中国市场的愿景与现实
问：芬兰企业在中国的主要发展愿景是什么？它们面临的核心挑战有哪些？
阿里：
它们的核心目标是“实现长期融合”，深入理解中国的政策、商业与文化环境。企业期待一个稳定的政策框架、可靠的知识产权保护、公平透明的市场执行机制。
理想状态下当然希望实现公平竞争、透明运营，但在中国的实际商业环境中，企业常常要面对区域政策差异、法规动态变化、文化预期差异等挑战。问题不在于“复杂”，而在于“误读”的风险。
这正是我们介入的关键。我们定期提供政策简报，组织闭门研讨会，甚至安排“反向路演”——邀请中方利益相关者与芬兰企业高管直接对话，交流观点与期待。这种互动能有效缩短理解距离，推动实质性的商机落地。
四、中国对芬兰投资上升——新机遇在哪里？
问：近年来中国对芬兰投资持续增长，您如何解读这一趋势？哪些新领域具有发展潜力？
阿里：
中国资本流入芬兰，既体现了资金流动，也传达了战略意图。例如腾讯对芬兰游戏公司Supercell的投资成为文化领域的重要里程碑；而当升科技与芬兰矿业集团的合资，则开辟了绿色能源材料的新战场。
展望未来，我认为以下三个领域最具潜力：
- 绿色转型与可持续增长：在低碳发展方面深化合作，涵盖能源转型、碳中和、循环经济，以及氢能技术、风能与储能系统的协同发展。
- 极地与寒区技术：芬兰在寒带出行、极寒建筑、北极物流方面拥有独特优势，具备全球领先地位。
- 科技与产业创新：在工业数字化、机器人、人工智能与智能制造方面与中方共创，推动产业革新。
若芬兰的研发能力与中国的产业规模与速度结合，中芬完全有潜力成为引领全球技术变革的重要联盟。
五、在全球贸易不确定时代，广交会提供战略稳定
问：在企业开拓中国市场方面，广交会扮演怎样的角色？您怎么看它的战略意义？
阿里：
在当前全球贸易充满不确定性的背景下，关税壁垒与保护主义趋势上升，广交会堪称全球最稳定、最可靠的贸易平台。它不仅展示中国的商业逻辑、网络与消费趋势，更为海外企业提供了真正“看见并参与中国市场”的窗口。
我鼓励芬兰企业以“共创与战略合作”的心态参与广交会，不仅是卖产品，更是与中国买家联合开发、适应市场、寻找长期战略伙伴的过程。
六、广交会是对话平台，而非单纯展销会
问：对即将举行的第138届广交会芬兰主题推广活动，您有何期待？
阿里：
我认为这不仅是一次展示产品的机会，更是一个思想交流、战略对接与关系构建的平台。
今年是中芬建交75周年。数十年来，芬兰企业与中国伙伴建立了深厚且持久的合作基础，这种关系建立在相互尊重、创新精神和共同成长之上。
未来的中芬合作将超越传统的进出口逻辑，更多地聚焦在共创设计、共同投资与联合创新，迈向真正的双边战略合作模式。广交会可以作为起点，但真正的推动力来自持续的合资项目、联合研发和以创新为驱动的合作生态系统。
编者结语：
芬兰不仅仅是冰雪之国，更是连接全球创新与可持续未来的桥梁。如今，这座桥正从波罗的海延伸至珠江三角洲，迎来一场“共创、共赢、共成长”的新时代。
