GHP Newsletter 3/2009

Dear friends,

According to the Ernst & Young European Investment Monitor, the number of direct foreign investments into the Helsinki region has decreased 15%, compared to the first half of 2008. This should not come as a surprise to anyone, given the current economic situation worldwide, but it’s worth noting that 2008 saw the highest number of investments into Finland and Helsinki, so were looking at a drop of 15% from a top year.

The investments that have occurred, have been interesting openings into the region: American component and chips manufacturer Qualcomm dipped into the mobile graphics scene while Indian HCL Technologies plans to take good care of its key partners both in Finland and in neighboring countries through its Helsinki service center. Good quality of the investments is as important, if not more so, as the quantity of investments and GHP is working hard to go for the strategically important ones.

We’ve also taken an active role, together with key stakeholders, in introducing the Greater Helsinki possibilities to Chinese high-tech companies. A platform called the China-Finland Innovation Center will bring together companies from both countries to look for mutual gain through R&D&I and doing business together.

The new innovation center is also a fitting example of the Greater Helsinki plan for the Shanghai 2010 Expo. The capital region visibility at the Expo is built under the Invitation to Helsinki –concept and we’ve taken a head start as far as the Innovation Center goes!

While the Expo 2010 will be a wonderful spectacle, I want to iterate that we are extending the Invitation to Helsinki to all our friends and partners. Greater Helsinki is a great place to work and play. To live!

Sincerely,

Tatu Laurila
CEO
Greater Helsinki Promotion

P.S. GHP and Forum Virium Helsinki, together with SSP Finland Oy, built an interactive spot at the My City Helsinki restaurant at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport. The Virtual Guestbook gives travelers the possibility to send a virtual post card to Helsinki. Take a look at www.helsinkiguestbook.fi  to catch some of the fun and laughter that‘s going on at the airport!