Business and Culture brings Ambassador Rajakangas to Rijeka
In his third visit to the City of Rijeka, Croatia's third largest city and important port on the Adriatic coast, the Ambassador of Finland Timo Rajakangas was accompanied by representatives of companies active in Croatia that represent Finnish technology and know-how.
On this occasion, they were received by the Mayor Vojko Obersnel and County Prefect Zlatko Komadina and had the opportunity to discuss areas of potential cooperation. Both Mayor Obersnel and County Prefect Komadina were interested in strengthening business ties with Finland and strengthening cooperation on the economic, cultural and university level. Mayor Obersnel added that Rijeka's development should be based on new technologies and looks to Finland as one of the leading countries in this sector. He also emphasized the importance of stimulating startups as opportunities for employment among the youth and education and student exchange. County Prefect Komadina said that the Primorska-Goranska County's most important resources are tradition, knowledge and geographic position and highlighted in particular the port, energy, refinery, tourism, health tourism and perhaps gas in the future. On this occasion, Ambassador Rajakangas said, Rijeka reminded him of Turku, Finland`s third largest city. Similar to Rijeka, Turku also has the largest port, it is a significant university centre and it was the European capital of Culture, which Rijeka is now competing for and added, ”We want to cooperate with Rijeka on the university level and to improve trade and cultural ties. Finland is known for its strong IT and design sectors and it also has rich experience in environmental protection. These are all areas where we can work together”, concluded Ambassador Rajakangas. On this occasion, the accompanying business delegation had the opportunity to present their activities in Croatia.
Ambassador Rajakangas also had the honour to attend a special event that marked the continuation of a wonderful cultural cooperation between the Croatian National Theatre pl. Zajc in Rijeka and the Finnish conductor Ville Matjeveff that began last season. At a special press conference, it was announced that Matvejeff would be the lead guest conductor and artistic advisor of the Rijeka Opera for two more seasons. The great chemistry between the HNK pl. Zajc, the audience in Rijeka and maestro Matvejeff was evident. On this occasion, Matvejeff said, ”From the first contact with opera orchestra in Rijeka at the beginning of the season last autumn, we had excellent cooperation which is a good foundation for creating music. From then on I feel there has been constant development in the work of Rijeka´s Opera ensemble and I am very excited to continue this cooperation with HNK pl. Zajc. As a Finn, not only because our countries are similar in population, I feel at home, only the weather in Rijeka is much better than in Finland.” Ambassador Rajakangas said that Finland is a country of music with renowned composers, conductors and music festivals. “The Croatian Theatre in Rijeka has managed to engage Ville Matvejeff and you have received all this in one: he is a composer – I have been to two of his concerts this year, he is an excellent musician, and outstanding conductor with a career on the rise but he is also the artistic director of one of the most prominent classical music festivals in Finland! I congratulate the Mayor and the Theatre and in some way I am envious when I hear about all the fascinating productions that Maestro Matvejeff will be doing with the Theatre here in Rijeka. I will surely be visiting Rijeka frequently”.
At the University of Rijeka, Ambassador Rajakangas met with Rector Dr. Pero Lučin and discussed opportunities for cooperation. On this occasion Rector Lučin spoke about the good cooperation the University of Rijeka has with Finnish professors and students and that their vision is to create an open campus concept. Both Ambassador Rajakangas and Rector Lučin agreed that partnership between Finnish higher education institutions and the University of Rijeka should be further developed in the direction of high technology and research.
Representatives of Finnish companies in Croatia that presented their activities in Rijeka:
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www.lindstrom.hr(Link to another website.)
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www.stp-croatia.com(Link to another website.)
www.koivujatahti.com(Link to another website.)
marttilaConsulting(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)
www.marttila.de(Link to another website.)