Finnish trade delegation visits Dallas, discovers a “can-do attitude” » Dallas innovates

From left to right: Ambassador Mark Langdale; Ken Neisman, Honorary Consul of Dallas. Ambassador Jeanne Phillips. Annina Aalto, Secretary for U.S. Economic and Trade Policy at the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Helsinki. Ambassador Jarmo Sareva, Consul General of Finland in New York. Ambassador Robert Jordan. Christian Heikkinen, Minister's Counselor for Sustainable Growth and Commerce.Suzanne Smith, Social Impact Architect, International Affairs Strategic Advisor, City of Dallas [Photo: City of Dallas]

Finnair recently launched nonstop flights between DFW Airport and Helsinki, Finland.Partly to commemorate that milestone and foster closer ties A delegation from the Nordic country took the route to visit Dallas on Tuesday over trade, economic development and technological advancement ties between Finland and North Texas.

It was the first stop on a Texas tour by the group.

Close ties include Nokia, five Finnish players on the Dallas Stars

Finland may sound far away, but it has close ties to the city of Dallas. His Nokia Corporation of Finland has its North American headquarters here. A large community of Finnish residents lives in the Dallas area, including Vesa Jämla of the Finnish American Business Guild. The Dallas Stars NHL hockey team is made up mostly of the country's male players, with five Finnish players on the ice. There are also many other shared areas with local connections.

Dallas recently adopted an international affairs strategy, which includes hiring new staff to advance that strategy, said Suzanne Smith, Dallas International Affairs Strategic Advisor, who helped organize the visit. Told.

“Along with partners such as the World Affairs Council, the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce, and DFW Airport, as well as international partners such as trade offices, chambers of commerce, and consulates, this visit by the Finnish delegation is an opportunity to deepen business and development ties. It's an example of what we're doing,” Smith told Dallas Innovates about the relationship with Finland.

During the visit, the parties discussed technology, healthcare, art, culture and design, among others, as areas of potential partnership.

Among other possible connections, the local side discussed sending a Dallas/Fort Worth delegation to the 2024 Slush startup conference in Helsinki..

“This was a first step to getting to know each other better and advancing mutual goals for cooperation and coordination,” Smith said.

3 major stops on your Dallas full-day tour

During a whirlwind tour of Dallas, the delegation visited downtown Dallas. George W. Bush Presidential Center. And in the Dallas International District, Dallas representatives shared their growth plans. Smith said the Finnish delegation also sampled local Dallas snacks and food throughout the day.

While in the Dallas International District, the delegation visited the Texas European American Chamber of Commerce at the Prism Center.

“We explained to them the business and quality of life in Dallas,” Smith added. “They were impressed by everything Dallas had to offer as an emerging global city. They liked our 'can-do spirit' and determination as a culture. It is directly connected to the idea of

Jarmo Sareva, Finland's Consul General in New York, agreed.

“It’s always very inspiring to visit places with a can-do attitude,” Saleba said during the visit.

Erin McKelvey, president and CEO of the European American Chamber of Commerce of Texas, said Ambassador Sareva and her team “were here to learn about the situation in Texas, and they were not just about numbers, not to mention enthusiasm.” But I was more than impressed.” Provides energy and welcome at business leaders meetings. We're here to support European business expansion across the state, and we know Finland will play a strong role in Dallas and throughout Texas. “

Carrie Rogers, director of government affairs for the city of Dallas, said the city is far ahead of many U.S. cities in forging closer business ties with foreign countries. .

“The city of Dallas is stepping up its efforts to build a strong international affairs strategy that rivals any city in the United States,” Rogers said in a statement. “This visit marks a new era for our work. We are planting the seeds of cooperation with major countries and major international cities that align with our economic and cultural interests, and we are committed to building joint interests. We look forward to working proactively to work together to promote this.”

Rogers said this “will have a long-term impact on the growth and prosperity of Dallas.”