History

1936 – The Chamber of Commerce is Established

During the Finnish manifestation in Stockholm in April 1936, a committee was formed to investigate the possibilities of establishing a Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce. The committee’s work led to a founding meeting on October 9^th, 1936, under the chairmanship of convener Axel Wenner-Gren. Director Wenner-Gren was elected as the Chamber’s first chairman, with chamberlain Rolf von Heidenstam and minister Henrik Ramsay as vice-chairmen.

The reason for founding the Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce was the difficult trade imbalance between Finland and Sweden. The goal was to develop trade between the countries and to find new products for export.

Finlands then-ambassador J.K. Paasikivi and the chairman of the Finnish Export Association Jaakko Kahma were also among the founders. By the end of the 1930s, the Chamber had about 500 members.

The 1940s and 1950s – A Time of Reconstruction

The time following World War two was difficult, not only for Finland, but for the Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce as well.

The Finnish state subsidy to the Chamber ceased in 1940, resulting in the member fees from the Swedish members remaining as the Chamber’s only source of income. Betty Liljestrand managed to steer the Chamber’s operations through the war years towards the time of reconstruction. Regulations complicated the trade between Finland and Sweden all the way until the mid-1950s. Thanks to the Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, trade could continue with products that were exempt from permit requirements.

The 1960s – Sweden Discovers Finland

The interest in Finland grew rapidly in Sweden thanks to exports from, among others, Marimekko, Iiittala, Asko, and Fazer. The Chamber’s operations expanded with a permanent secretariat under the leadership of by Caj Lindén. The Chamber’s role as a meeting point between Finnish and Swedish business life grew stronger.

The Finnish state once again became a financier of the operations. This created a secure economic platform for the future. The Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce launched the campaign “Discover Finland”, through which Finnish design and craftmanship reached a Swedish audience.

The 1970s – A Crusade Westward

During the 1970s, thousands of Finnish companies strove to find growth in the Swedish market. The companies expanded their product ranges more than ever within areas such as raw materials, semi-finished products, and subcontracting, in addition to products aimed at 1960s consumers. The Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce strengthened its role as an expert. Sweden established itself as one of Finland’s three most important trading partners.

The 1980s – Finland Can

During the 80s, Finland’s skills in investing abroad improved. Large Finnish corporations made strategic acquisitions in Sweden. Nokia’s growth accelerated. The Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, supported by the Finnish Foreign Trade Association, promoted Finnish technology and expertise in the campaign “Finland can”. Under CEO Liisa Lifländer, the Chamber strengthened its information activities and started the magazine “Finland Delivers”. In 1988, the Chamber began organizing annual press trips.

The 1990s – Tailored Consulting Services

Finland and Sweden became members of the European Union in 1995. As part of the EU’s internal market, the promotion of export shifted, under the lead of Leif Hernberg, from large industry-wide campaigns to smaller specialized projects focusing on printed, fashion, and electronics. Towards the end of the 1990s, focus shifted towards tailored market consulting. Instead of promoting exports, the focus was on internationalization.

The 2000s – Market Strategies and Special Expertise

In the 21^st century the needs of companies changed. Companies wanted concrete information on specific measures needed to start exporting to Sweden or setting up a business in Sweden.

The number of consulting assignments increased, and their role as source of income for the Chamber grew. The need for information was replaced by the demand for services. In collaboration with local business centers, the Chamber began implementing large cooperation projects funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). Fashion shows in Sweden and architectural visits in Finland were among the Chambers most appreciated activities for a decade.

The 2010s – A Growing Network and High Level Events

Consulting services continued to be an important part of the organization, while networking grew increasingly significant. The profile of the Chamber’s events increased, and the Chamber gained greater visibility than before, e.g. through full-page advertisements in Finnish and Swedish daily newspapers. The number of people attending the events increased and the number of members skyrocketed. By the end of the decade, the number of members had doubled compared to the mid-decade.

The 2000s – FINSVE Today

The Chamber’s experienced specialists guide Finnish companies into the Swedish market. The goal is to create new success stories.

The number of members of the Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce grows steadily. Membership activities unite companies and individuals with an interest in the business environments of Finland and Sweden.

The Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce is part of the Team Finland network. Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment finances a large part of the operations.