An evening discussing German-Finnish relations
Marcus Honkanen discussing with the audience
Why are the Germans so direct and the Finns so distant? Why should both nations cooperate and work together? Those and many more questions Marcus answered yesterday during his speech and discussion with the Finnish German Handelsgilde.
Last week we went into the speaker role, when our Nordic Mind Marcus had the pleasure to speak in front of the Finnish German Handelsgilde in Hamburg, Germany. Marcus has a very German Finnish biography, as he has been growing up in Finland and is now living in Germany. As he knows both worlds very well, he was asked to state his opinion on the German Finnish relations and share his own perspectives and experiences.
Living in both worlds
Last week we went into the speaker role, when our Nordic Mind Marcus had the pleasure to speak in front of the Finnish German Handelsgilde in Hamburg, Germany. Marcus has a very German Finnish biography, as he has been growing up in Finland and is now living in Germany. As he knows both worlds very well, he was asked to state his opinion on the German Finnish relations and share his own perspectives and experiences.
Building bridges
Marcus works in Germany and the Nordics for over 15 years now. He builds bridges, communicates between cultures and observes developments, changes and chances for both countries. Finnish Exports to Germany grew 4,5% up to 11,5 Billion Euros in 2018 (source: AHK Finland). That is a huge sign and proof, that German Finnish exchange is already flourishing and growing.
Differences and similarities
Finnish companies do not invest a lot in Germany, only 2,1% in 2017. Germany’s biggest investor is the Netherlands with 30,9% (source: Tilastokeskus). On the other hand, Finland is a massive opportunity for Germany’s economy. The quality of academical education and the infrastructure is a big argument for Finland (source: AHK Finland). But most important is the fact, that Finland is a pioneer in Digitalization. A survey from AHK Finland says: “The Digitalization of the industry is more advanced in Finland than in Germany” – 61% voted for Finland, 3% for Germany.
The evening took place in Hamburg at the Weingaleristen
Finding the perfect candidate
The core of our expertise is to truly understand both cultures and needs and to manage the communication between the countries. That’s why we already placed Finnish candidates with German clients and vice versa. Understanding the industries and their needs is a big part of it. Speaking both languages, like Marcus does, helps additionally a lot, of course.
Who is the Finnish German Handelsgilde?
The presentation and discussion with the Handelsgilde was very fruitful and interesting. The Handelsgilde is a community of interests between representatives of the Finnish and German economic life, based in Germany. The aim is to promote economic contacts and network between Germany and Finland. A perfect match with us, Nordic Minds, as we are always looking for networking and building bridges between Germany and the Nordics.