Press releases, 16.5.2012

New approach to external economic relations

Government Communications Unit
Press release 153/2012
16.5.2012

On Wednesday 16 May, the Government adopted a cross-sectoral action plan on Finland’s external economic relations. Implementation of the programme will support employment in Finland and, in particular, the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

According to the plan, a strategic steering group and secretariat working under the Prime Minister will draw up common long-term strategic guidelines to promote exports and internationalisation. At the same time, the new 'Team Finland' network approach, enabling better cooperation, will be cemented both nationally and internationally.

The aim is also to intensify trade policy lobbying, develop the content of exports and internationalisation efforts, and target the financing of such efforts at SMEs to guarantee Finnish businesses a level playing field with respect to international competitors.

Finland's state leadership is actively involved in exports promotion efforts, and the Government and the President of the Republic are working in close cooperation to that end. Anticipation activities by the Finnish embassies, Finpro and FinNode will be improved and expanded, private and public sector cooperation and cooperation with universities intensified, and the opportunities provided by development policy for Finnish businesses drawn upon.

The promotion of Finland abroad and the related communications network will be further developed, investments to Finland effectively promoted, and the lobbying of Finland's interests as part of the EU's external economic relations systematically improved.

The action plan is based on recommendations put forward by a working group on Finland's external economic relations. The working group was mandated by Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade.

Inquiries: Juha Kirstilä, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister (Press Relations), tel. +358 9 1602 2242; Antti Timonen, Press Attaché to the Minister of European Affairs and Foreign Trade, tel. +358 40 590 7231; and Kai Mykkänen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs, tel. +358 10 606 3533