Finland is making its debut as the guest country of honor at the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), which is being held from Sept 8 to 11 in Xiamen, with Fujian province looking to build closer business links with Finnish companies in smart manufacturing, clean energy, and marine industries.

An investment promotion event was held in Xiamen on Sept 9, bringing Finnish companies and Fujian businesses together to discuss potential cooperation and investment opportunities.

Smart manufacturing is one area where their strengths meet, as Finnish companies bring technologies in industrial software, sensing, connectivity, and automation, while Fujian's manufacturing base spans electronics and machinery and offers a range of potential applications.

This overlap extends to the green economy, with Finnish expertise in clean energy, smart grids, and the circular economy connecting with Fujian's industries in renewable energy, energy storage, and electric vehicles. The delegation also discussed recycling, industrial energy efficiency, and offshore wind power.

The marine economy adds another dimension: Finnish expertise in maritime navigation in polar regions and advanced equipment manufacturing meets Fujian's strength in shipbuilding, construction machinery, and marine engineering.

As trade ties between Fujian and Finland continue to grow, the two sides have more room to explore opportunities in emerging industries. The ongoing exchanges at CIFIT are expected to connect businesses, technologies, and markets, opening new possibilities for future cooperation.