Based on your conversations with French and Finnish companies, what business trends or priorities do you see emerging in their collaboration or market expansion plans?

Of course, companies are influenced by the economic and international developments. Due to the uncertainties, I have seen that some have adapted their strategy to remain competitive, and engaged in reorganisation to reduce costs or divested to finance new operations.

Investments in both countries are still mainly driven by the twin transition. The greening of our industrial processes is a powerful lever thanks to the production of renewable electricity. Digitalization too is equally important, and I see a stronger focus on quantum, AI, and of course, nuclear energy. Newspace, Greentech and Bluetech, and more generally deeptech and defense sector are also currently key drivers of growth for French and Finnish collaboration for the coming years.

In your view, what are the most effective leverages today to strengthen economic exchanges between France and Finland?

France and Finland have been two historical partners since 1918. There is an interest to enhance the business relationship from both sides. We are not economic competitors, but pragmatic European partners. We benefit from each other to enhance our respective economies.

I believe that person-to-person meetings are the shortest and most efficient way to achieve our goals. I am convinced that building personal ties is essential to a sustainable, trustful, solid and mutually beneficial trade relationship. The more and better people and companies actually know each other and each other’s economic footprint and fabric, the better.

The French-Finnish Chamber of Commerce has experienced a positive momentum in 2025. What added-value do you see in a network like CCFF to support companies and foster bilateral economic relations?

I am pleased to see how dynamic the CCFF in Finland has become - with many events organized in 2025. The French-Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Helsinki is part of the global CCI France International network and an important component of our local ecosystem. The CCFF in Finland has a significant role to play to support the Finnish French business community, jointly with other French stakeholders (Foreign Trade Advisors, Business France, Atout France…) in order to boost our cultural understanding and friendship with Finland.

Companies are navigating between rapid transitions, from sustainability requirements to digitalisation and supply-chain resilience. How does the Embassy support French businesses in addressing these challenges in Finland?

As you know, the Trade department of the embassy, the French invest and trade agency (Business France) support the French companies by providing information, tailored services, and operating B2B events. They also contribute in preparing my regular visits across Finland to better understand the local expectations.

The V.I.E, an HR initiative for international mobility backed by the French government, is also of great support to French companies to develop their activity. Open to companies with a French establishment, it enables organisations to recruit French or European talents, aged from 18 to 28. More and more French companies in Finland use this scheme, and last May we granted a special Prize for a remarkable project led by one of these dynamic and bright “volontaires internationaux”.

More generally, I am sincerely pleased to see the high-quality cooperation between private and public actors within the “Team France”, in support of French businesses in Finland. Synergies between these players are central to boost our trade amid global competition.

On the ground, how is economic cooperation between our two countries taking shape today? Are there recent examples or priorities you would like to highlight?

On the consumer goods sector, I see strong potential for French expertise in areas such as cosmetics, food and wine. More broadly, Greentech, AI, Energy, Transport, Critical materials and Defense are high priorities.

What message would you like to share with the French-Finnish business community for the year ahead?

I would like to encourage the French companies in Finland to become members and engage in the activities of the Chamber. The more the merrier, as the saying goes. The CCFF is a good place to be to build-up and expand a useful business contact network for French investors, to exchange views and experiences on the local market, as well as to get bigger.

Finland is a land of opportunities as I have noticed when visiting this wonderful country: efficiency is key, there is a highly-educated workforce, and research and development is key to fuel innovative solutions. Both France and Finland need to foster their growth not only in faraway regions, but also in Europe, the richest and largest consumers’ market in the world with 450 M people. It’s a chance to grab!