China works both ways: investment opportunities in Finland and markets for Tampere companies

One week in China highlighted something important for the Tampere region: the business relationship between China and Finland works in both directions.

Text: Yi Tang, Business Tampere

Chinese companies are exploring Finland for investment, partnerships and technology, while Finnish companies including SMEs continue to find customers, partners and new market opportunities in China.

In September, Business Tampere joined a Finnish business delegation led by Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto at the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, where Finland was one of the Guest Countries of Honour. Business Tampere was represented by CEO Harri Ojala and Senior Business Advisor Yi Tang.

The China Week continued in Shanghai, further strengthening Tampere’s visibility in China and generating concrete opportunities in both directions.

Two-way opportunities between China and Finland

Minister Sakari Puisto leading the Finnish delegation at the Finland National Pavilion at CIFIT. Photo: The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

The China visit generated several concrete opportunities. A leading Chinese electrification company is set to visit Tampere in mid-October to explore the local ecosystem and potential cooperation. A delegation of Shanghai companies exploring investment opportunities in Finland is expected to visit Tampere during Slush Week 2026, including representatives from a leading Shanghai-based healthcare group. Battery technology and robotics are attracting growing interest as potential areas for future collaboration.

Together, these developments illustrate the two-way potential: Chinese companies are looking towards Finland for investment, technology and partnerships, while Finnish companies can use established networks and market expertise to pursue opportunities in China.

Business Tampere CEO Harri Ojala presenting the Tampere region as a strong destination for foreign direct investment. Photo: CIFIT

Leap4Growth helps turn opportunities into business

The China Week gave a strong boost to the visibility of Tampere and Finland in China, thanks to the successful CIFIT presence and extensive media coverage.

This momentum provides a timely opportunity for Business Tampere to further support Tampere-region companies in developing business opportunities in China through Leap4Growth.

Leap4Growth supports Tampere-region SMEs in exploring and developing business opportunities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), one of the world’s most dynamic business and innovation regions. Through the project, companies can gain market insights, identify potential customers and partners, access local networks, and receive support in developing concrete business opportunities.

The goal is not simply to encourage companies to “enter China”. It is to help them identify where there is a genuine commercial fit and take practical steps towards turning that opportunity into business.

Business Tampere CEO Harri Ojala’s interview about Tampere received extensive media coverage across both digital and print media.

Read the full interview published by China’s technology and media giant Tencent here.

From China to Tampere — and from Tampere to China

Business Tampere visiting its long-standing partner Double Medical in September 2026, following Arctic Biomaterials’ successful Leap4Growth deal in March and exploring further opportunities. Photo: Double Medical

The China Week was a strong reminder that internationalization is not a one-way street.

As interest grows on both sides, new connections are opening up between Chinese and Finnish companies creating opportunities not only to enter new markets, but also to build longer-term partnerships.

For the Tampere region, connecting these two directions strengthens international visibility, expands business networks, and creates new opportunities for companies to grow across markets.

Are you a Tampere-region SME exploring China?

If you have a technology, product or solution with international potential, Leap4Growth could be a practical first step towards exploring opportunities in the Greater Bay Area.

Get in touch with Business Tampere and let’s explore where there could be a fit.