The Hellenic Mission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in Helsinki under the leadership of Deputy Minister of Economic Diplomacy Kostas Fragojani, accompanied by a group of businessmen and leaders of Enterprise Greece and Hellenic Export Credit Company (ECG) with the aim of unlocking untapped potential. in Greek-Finnish relations. Many meetings between Greek and Finnish companies are planned. Among the groups of the Scandinavian country involved in the contacts are energy, construction, engineering, shipbuilding, as well as financial companies such as Wartsila, Nokia, ABB, Peikko Oy and Finnvera. Representatives of Biohalco, NanoPhos, Prisma Electronics, Intracom Telecom, Mediterranean Gas and Farad came from the Greek side. Although Finland is a relatively small country of about 5.5 million people, there is significant economic and business activity.

It is assumed that bilateral economic relations can be significantly improved. According to the financial service of the Greek Foreign Ministry, in the first nine months of 2022, Greek exports to Finland amounted to 165.44 million euros, and imports, respectively, 171.80 million euros. The volume of bilateral trade increased by 29.95% compared to the corresponding previous period.

Meeting with Finnish groups – Increasing the volume of bilateral trade in 2022.

The tourism sector presents significant opportunities for Greece as the country has become the most popular tourist destination for Finns. According to a study by the Finnish Association of Travel Agents (SMAL), Greece has become the most popular destination for Finnish tourists in 2022. Direct flights between Helsinki and Athens operate from March to December. It should be noted that at the Finnish tourism exhibition “Matka Nordic Travel Fair”, which was held in Helsinki (19-22.01.2023), Greece was an honorary country.

The first business mission to Finland follows the visit of Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias to Helsinki a year ago, as well as the visit of the Finnish Prime Minister to Greece last year in April, as well as the visit of the Minister of Finance of Finland to Athens, accompanied by representatives of selected Finnish companies in October. It is emphasized that at least two large Finnish companies operate in Greece. These are Nokia, which has a technology center here, and Wartsila, one of the largest manufacturers of mechanical equipment and marine engines, which has expanded into energy production in recent years.