The introduction of the Embassy's new commercial counsellor Mr. Mika Lautanala

The main mission is to promote commercial activities between Finland and the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Prior to joining Ministry of Foreign Affairs he was working on various innovation funding and innovation policy activities for Tekes and Business Finland for 25 years.

The Embassy is happy to introduce Mr. Mika Lautanala, a new commercial counsellor, who started working at our Embassy in summer 2021.  

Mika’s three year post started from the beginning of August 2021. The main mission is to promote commercial activities between Finland and the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Mika Lautanala is here to help Finnish companies. His main focus will be on business sectors where Finnish companies are strong and where the local market has clear needs. He is especially looking after companies with strong passion to get into the market and with high ambition goals for their business. The job is done together with other Team Finland partners, with strong emphasis on teamwork and focus on helping Finnish companies to succeed. A big part of the job is to build strong network of contacts with key players in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, both commercial and authorities in mind. 

Mika is a civil engineer by profession, but he has spent his whole professional career with innovations, innovation policy and international activities. Prior to joining Ministry of Foreign Affairs he was working on various innovation funding and innovation policy activities for Tekes and Business Finland for 25 years. This included also a two year secondment in the Ministry of the Economy and Employment, working on economic restructuring issues.

Besides work, Mika is also very active in his free time.  He loves to play ice hockey and golf, and while not playing himself he is keen on shooting photos of his friends playing.