HELSINKI: Finnish sawmills are seeking for ways to increase their sales in international markets over the next three years. Supporting the internationalization of Finnish companies, Finpro launched a cooperation with the Finnish Sawmills Association regarding an export program, with the aim to double exports of Finnish sawn goods to China.
The name of the program is ”Wood from Finland” and was funded by the Finnish Ministry of Employment and Economy as well as by part of the Finnish sawmill industry. Under the program, two local experts where already hired, that will help in finding market opportunities and the creation of first contacts. Currently, the Ministry is commited to fund the growth of the program with approximately EUR 700,000. By the end of 2017, the funding may reach EUR 1.3-1.4 million.
”China is a potential target because it is the world’s largest furniture manufacturer and exporter. In addition, there is now a new program of the Chinese government, which focuses on the development of environmentally friendly construction, says program manager Jyrki Mantere.
Last year, Finland exported to China more than 400 000 cubic meters of sawn timber, and the number is projected to continue to grow rapidly. Overall, the objective of the program is to increase the export of Finnish sawn timber by 500,000 cubic meters in the coming years.
